Free portable air conditioners
Program updates
As of September 9, 2024, you can only apply for a free portable air conditioner (AC) if you have a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program. To apply, please follow the instructions below.
If you applied before September 9, we're continuing to process applications and install units. If you didn't submit your supporting documentation, please do so as soon as possible.
Available for individuals referred by regional health authority programs
If you've received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
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're responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation.
There are no fees or shipping costs.
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. You must have a recommendation letter from your regional health authority's Home Care Program. Please note this is not a doctor's note and can only be obtained from Home Care programs throughout the province.
- Once you have the recommendation letter, request the free air conditioner application.
- If you rent your home, you'll need to get your landlord's consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
- Submit your application by following the instructions on the application form.
- After we receive your application, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if you're 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. Installations typically occur within four weeks of submitting your application.
* 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.
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, follow the instructions above to apply. 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 your own BC Hydro account, please give us a call at 1 800 224 9376 so we can help with your application. Have your signed landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB], and 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 free portable air conditioner is available to people who have received a recommendation letter from their regional health authority's Home Care Program. This is the only document we can accept.
Other documents such as a letter from your family physician or any other medical documents are not acceptable.
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.
- Single-family detached home
- Townhome
- Apartment or condo
- Rowhome
- Duplex
- Manufactured home / mobile home
Did you apply before September 9, 2024?
Manage your application
- Check your application status online. You'll need your application ID.
- If you didn't submit your supporting documentation, submit it online as soon as possible. You’ll need your application ID.
Eligibility criteria for this program changed on September 9, 2024. If you applied before then, we'll review your application according to this eligibility criteria.
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.
Eligibility criteria for this program changed on September 9, 2024. If you applied before then based on an income qualification, we’ll review your application according to the table below.
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 |
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.