Why Was My Rebate Application Rejected and How Do I Fix It?

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Common reasons rebate applications get rejected

CleanBC, FortisBC, and other BC rebate programs are administered separately from the contractor who did your install, and they're strict about documentation because they're issuing public funds. Rejections are almost always about the paperwork rather than a problem with the equipment itself. The most frequent reasons we see homeowners run into:

• The invoice is missing required details - it needs to clearly show the equipment model/serial number, installation address, contractor licence information, and a itemized breakdown of labour versus equipment cost.
• The installed equipment doesn't match what's on the program's qualifying equipment list (wrong SEER, AFUE, or HSPF rating for that specific model).
• The application was submitted after the program's deadline, or the equipment was installed before the application was pre-approved (some programs require pre-approval, others don't - this trips people up constantly).
• Missing proof of permit or final inspection sign-off from the local building department or Technical Safety BC.
• The applicant's name on the application doesn't match the name on the utility account or the invoice.
• Incomplete banking or mailing information for the rebate payment itself.

How to fix it and resubmit

Start by reading the rejection notice carefully - CleanBC and FortisBC both state the specific reason for denial, and it's usually one fixable item, not a full disqualification. From there:

• Contact your HVAC contractor and ask for a corrected or more detailed invoice if that's the issue - a legitimate contractor should provide this at no charge.
• Confirm your installed model number against the program's current qualifying products list (these lists change, so always check the live version rather than an old PDF you saved).
• If a permit or inspection is missing, contact the municipality or Technical Safety BC directly to confirm the permit was closed and request documentation.
• Check the program's resubmission window - most rebate programs give you a set number of days to correct and resubmit before the file is closed permanently.
• If you believe the rejection was made in error, most programs have an appeals or review process - call their support line rather than just resubmitting the same paperwork.

When to call your contractor for help

If the rejection relates to anything about the installation itself - the permit, the model number installed, or the invoice details - your HVAC contractor is the right person to sort it out, since they hold the records and the licensing. At CANRO Heating & Cooling we keep copies of invoices, permits, and equipment specs for every job we complete, so if a rebate application comes back with a documentation issue, call us at (604) 359-1081 and we'll get you the corrected paperwork. We can't guarantee approval of any rebate application since that decision sits with the program administrator, not the contractor, but we can make sure the documentation on our end is accurate and complete.

Frequently asked questions

Reviewed by the CANRO Heating & Cooling service team — July 07, 2026. Technical Safety BC gas licence LGA0043870 · boiler licence LBP0046450 · Red Seal certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · serving Metro Vancouver since 1999 · (604) 359-1081.