Maarsii (thank you) for your interest in Sîpihkisôwin: Low Carbon Energy Program. Registration is currently closed, but we invite you to follow MNBC on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future openings and to explore our other programs and resources.
Program Overview
Sîpihkisôwin, MNBC’s Low Carbon Energy Program, supports MNBC Citizen homeowners in implementing low carbon energy technologies and energy efficiency measures for their homes. By increasing the adoption of these energy technologies across the Métis community in British Columbia, Sîpihkisôwin seeks to improve affordability and health outcomes while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Available Upgrades
The following low carbon energy and energy efficient technology upgrades will be available for eligible households through Sîpihkisôwin:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels
- Space heating & cooling
- Water heating
- Air to water heat pump systems
- Building envelope (e.g. insulation, windows & doors)
- Other MNBC-approved energy-efficient and low carbon upgrades
Funding Details
Sîpihkisôwin offers:
- Up to $20,000 in funding for eligible households earning less than $150,000 in before-tax annual income, and
- Up to $15,000 in funding for eligible households earning between $150,000 and $200,000 in before-tax annual income.
Citizen Eligibility Criteria
Applicants for Sîpihkisôwin must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be over the age of 18
- Applicants must be an MNBC Citizen and provide proof with a copy of their MNBC Citizenship card
- Applicants’ before-tax annual household income must not exceed $200,000
- Applicants must be willing to receive basic training or information on how to operate and maintain any new upgrades installed in their home
- Applicants must consent to a pre-retrofit home energy evaluation
- Applicants must consent to share energy usage data at least one year prior to their retrofits and one year following their retrofits, though two years prior and five years following their retrofits is preferred
Eligible Home Criteria
To ensure maximum accessibility, Sîpihkisôwin has been designed to support a wide range of housing types across British Columbia. Eligible homes must:
- Be the applicant’s primary residence
- Be situated on titled land in the MNBC Citizen’s name
- Be habitable year-round
- Be considered suitable for installations by a licensed contractor(s)
Sîpihkisôwin supports the following types of homes:
- Single family homes
- Semi-detached, townhouses, and row houses
- Mobile homes
- Multi-unit residential homes (e.g. apartment in an apartment building), provided the applicant resides in the unit, meets all other criteria, and the building is suitable for upgrades
- Multi-unit residential homes are not eligible for certain types of upgrades and may require additional permission or permits before starting work
MNBC reserves the right to deny applicants with substantial liens or other owed interests (e.g. Reverse Mortgage) to their principal residence.
Home Energy Evaluation
To participate in Sîpihkisôwin, homeowners will be required to complete a pre-retrofit home energy evaluation performed by a Program-Qualified Energy Advisor (PQEA). Completing home energy evaluations identify which upgrades are most important for your home and provide a baseline “energy score”, allowing MNBC to observe the potential impact of your retrofits.
If you meet the initial eligibility requirements and are approved to move forward in the application process, MNBC will provide you with guidance for booking a home energy evaluation.
If program capacity is reached, we will notify you that your application has been placed on a waitlist. As funding is limited, priority will be given to high-need applications.
Application Process
- Check Eligibility
- Gather Documentation and Submit Application
- Receive Notification to Book Home Energy Evaluation
- Book Home Energy Evaluation
- Receive Confirmation of Funding Decision
- Share Energy Usage and Utility Data
For more details on program eligibility, requirements, and procedures, refer to the program handbook:
Sîpihkisôwin Low Carbon Energy Program Handbook
Maarsii (thank you) for your interest in Sîpihkisôwin: Low Carbon Energy Program. Registration is currently closed, but we invite you to follow MNBC on Facebook and Instagram for updates on future openings and to explore our other programs and resources.
Maarsii (thank you) for your interest in making your home more energy efficient and sustainable!
Have Questions?
Email: energy@mnbc.ca
Phone: 604-557-5851 ext. 7112
Mailing Address: #380 - 13401 108 Avenue, Surrey, BC