BC Hydro files an application with BC Utilities Commission proposing additional residential rate options
BC Hydro has filed an application with the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) proposing to expand its rate options to further help British Columbians choose how they pay for electricity to meet their needs while saving the most on their energy bills. BC Hydro is also proposing to make new rate options available to residents living in Non-Integrated Areas (NIA) that are not connected to BC Hydro’s electricity grid, helping to reduce their bills.
Through the application, BC Hydro has applied to offer an optional flat rate to all residential customers. The current residential rate structure offers two-tier pricing with a discounted energy charge (Step 1) for an initial amount of energy consumed and a higher energy charge (Step 2) for consumption over a certain threshold. Offering an optional flat rate (in between the current Step 1 and Step 2 rates) can provide customers with a single charge as their electricity use increases by switching to clean electricity alternatives. Depending on customers’ unique energy use, the average bill savings for those who can benefit is around $60 per year.
BC Hydro also serves 14 NIA communities across B.C. These are primarily First Nations communities who have historically paid more for their electricity service because they are off-grid and served by higher cost diesel generators. With the advancement of clean electricity solutions in these communities and to support equity and reconciliation, BC Hydro has applied to the BCUC to eliminate the higher NIA rates. If approved, customers in these communities could save an average of approximately $160 per year.
These proposals build on other voluntary offers from BC Hydro to provide customers with bill savings opportunities. Earlier this month, following approval by the BCUC, BC Hydro began offering an optional time-of-day rate to customers. Under that rate, customers with an electric vehicle can save on average $60-$125 a year and customers living in a single detached home who shift their electricity use to non-peak times could save an average of $40 a year.
BC Hydro has also applied to reduce the basic charge for multi-unit residential buildings receiving electricity service through one account, which will result in bill savings of approximately $62 each year for every unit in the building.
These proposals are subject to review and approval by the BCUC through a public process. A decision is expected in 2025.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468