Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai speaking at the 2024 Western Premiers Conference in Whitehorse in June. Photo Courtesy: Macklen Linke CKRW
Whitehorse, YT – Rebates for installing heat pumps could triple under a new program that the Yukon Government is negotiating with the Federal Government.
Currently, Yukon homeowners can receive up to 40 percent of the cost of installing a heat pump up to a total of $8,000 but under the new program the new total will be $24,000.
Premier Ranj Pillai highlighted in the Legislative Assembly that they’ve signed an agreement with the federal government that is expected to focus on lower-income households while also accounting for Yukoners who rely on propane.
“Like nowhere else in the country an agreement has been signed and the infrastructure and money that’s available we’ve also made sure that the 4 percent of people who use propane are also going to be able to use the program,” said Premier Ranj Pillai.
The Yukon Government is considering whether people who apply now under the existing program might qualify for the new program once it’s implemented. The new program is expected to be operational within weeks.
John Streicker, Minister of Energy, Mines and Reasources, highlighted that the Yukon Government is also working on streamlining applications so that Yukoners won’t need to apply separately for federal and territorial programs.
Depending on the model, heat pumps may not be able to provide enough heat on their own when temperatures drop below -15°C to -25°C. Homeowners often need to use additional backup heating systems like furnaces or electric furnaces during cold weather.
