Heat pumps remain uncommon in Saskatchewan, but a new federal rebate could help make them more popular. The Government of Canada says 261 heat pumps had been installed in the province with federal support as of March 2026. One Saskatoon heating company expects the rebate to drive demand. “We are really expecting that it’s going to be lined up for this program,” said Michael Shaw, CEO of Centennial Plumbing, Heating and Electrical. Shaw says high-efficiency natural gas furnaces remain a cost-effective option in Saskatchewan. But he says adding a heat pump can provide an efficient way to heat homes in milder weather and cool them in the summer. “In Saskatchewan, it’s very efficient for cooling your home. So, we’re going to see lots of benefits with this new heat pump rebate program for people when we’re in the cooling cycle,” Shaw said. The federal program is expected to launch in early 2027, with eligible installations retroactive to Nov. 1. Homeowners won’t need an energy audit before or after installation to qualify, according to the federal government’s website. Households below the median income could receive up to $10,000, while other eligible homeowners could receive $2,000. For households below the median income, Shaw says the rebate could cover much of the cost of a heat pump. “A heat pump, depending on what the regulations end up being for this program, is likely to cost around that $10,000 mark. It might be a little bit more than that, but that’ll be a great reason to get one, even if you’re only using it for cooling,” he said. The federal government says heat pumps can also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Shaw says those environmental benefits may be limited for now, as most of Saskatchewan’s electricity comes from fossil fuels. But he says they could increase as the province works toward a net-zero electricity grid by 2050. “Eventually in Saskatchewan, as our grid cleans up, this will be a good way to save greenhouse gases,” he said. The government says homeowners will receive payments after their applications are approved and they submit receipts for the purchase and installation.
