Free portable air conditioners
Available for income qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs
If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
This program is available year-round. If you apply during the winter and fall, you'll have your evaluation completed and receive your unit sooner than during warmer months. Customers who own their own homes can also choose to self-install their units, which may help in receiving a unit quicker, during the summer.
About the offer
This offer includes:
- One portable AC unit: Portable units are on wheels and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They're plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
- A one-time installation: You are responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation. If you own your home, you can opt to install the unit yourself. Self-installation is not available to renters.
A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed-in areas, like a bedroom. It can help create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, see guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
How to apply
- Review the eligibility criteria below to make sure you qualify.
- If you rent your home, you'll need to get your landlord's consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
- Apply online for your free portable AC unit.
- After you apply, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if your application is approved.*
- Approved applications will then be forwarded to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home.
- Customers who own their homes can choose to self-install their units or have the AC installed for you.
There are no fees or shipping costs.
* Please note that AC units are available on a first come, first served basis, subject to funding. The AC units are not intended for resale and are only for use in the primary residences of eligible customers.
If you rent your home and do not have your own BC Hydro account, please give our team a call at 1 800 224 9376 so we can help with your application.
Make sure to have your signed landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB], and proof of income and/or a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program before calling.
Customers of FortisBC Electric and residents of Grand Forks, Summerland, Penticton, and Nelson can apply here.
Eligibility
The portable AC offer is available to:
- Households who meet the income qualification of our Energy Conservation Assistance Program, or,
- People who have received a recommendation letter from their regional health authority's Home Care Program. If you've received a recommendation letter you don’t need to include proof of income in your application.
In addition, if you own your home, the home must have a total value equal to or less than $1,230,000 in the BC Assessment listing for the current year. This requirement doesn't apply to renters, people with a recommendation letter from their regional health authority, or to homes in Indigenous communities. If your home doesn't have an assessed value in the BC Assessment database, or if you have other exceptional circumstances relating to this criteria, please email us at ecap_esk@bchydro.com and we'll review on a case-by-case basis.
Am I eligible if I have an AC unit in my home already?
No, you're not eligible if you have a functioning AC unit in your home. If you have a unit that's completely non-functioning, you may be eligible for a new one. Your old unit will be removed and recycled properly.
Income qualification
Your household income must not exceed the amounts listed below. Income is based on the previous year and includes the combined income of all household members aged 18 and older.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD (INCLUDING CHILDREN) |
MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME BEFORE TAX |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $39,700 |
| 2 people | $49,500 |
| 3 people | $60,800 |
| 4 people | $73,800 |
| 5 people | $83,700 |
| 6 people | $94,400 |
| 7 or more people | $105,100 |
Eligible housing types
- Single-family detached home
- Townhome
- Apartment or condo
- Rowhome
- Duplex
- Manufactured home / mobile home
Renters
Do you rent your home? You can still apply for this program.
If you have a BC Hydro or City of New Westminster utility account in your name, you can apply online here. Before applying, connect with your landlord to get permission and complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB], which you'll need to submit with your application.
If you rent your home and don't have a BC Hydro account, please give our team a call at 1 800 224 9376 so we can help with your application.
Program in partnership with
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Related programs
Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP)
With this program, an energy coach visits your home to install energy-efficient products for you and gives you personalized advice to save energy – all for free. Available to low- and moderate-income households.