VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is leading an innovative new Peak Saver project under its Power Smart portfolio to transform homes in two B.C. communities into virtual power plants, offering uninterrupted power to customers while strengthening the flexibility of the electricity grid.
The concept of a virtual power plant is an emerging idea that optimizes customers’ energy resources in helping to meet high energy demands. By combining numerous small-scale energy sources – such as home batteries, smart thermostats, and managed electric vehicle charging – these virtual power plants can help balance the demands on the electricity grid more effectively.
This spring, BC Hydro’s virtual power plant project will begin with the installation of 200 residential batteries in homes located in Sun Peaks, near Kamloops, and Harrison Mills in Mission. These batteries, in coordination, will switch to backup power during outages and supply stored energy during peak demand, benefiting a network of customers in these communities.
"This exciting Power Smart project reaffirms BC Hydro's dedication to expanding new and dynamic energy solutions and technology to redefine how communities manage and consume energy in the future," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. "Virtual power plants are a groundbreaking approach to test the future of energy management and build a more resilient, efficient and sustainable power grid overall."
As part of the project, eligible customers will receive an all-Canadian Eguana Technologies Evolve LFP 14kWh/5kW battery. BC Hydro will manage the battery's operation remotely to ensure optimal performance during high demand. Home battery storage systems offer sustainability benefits, cost savings and the opportunity for customers to be part of the energy solution.
“This important project will help us better understand how batteries can mitigate outages and help keep costs low for customers by potentially deferring the need for additional, costly capital infrastructure in certain constrained regions and areas,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “Virtual power plants are expected to play an important role in supporting electrical grids in the future, making electricity systems more resilient and flexible.”
BC Hydro's battery storage projects are part of a broader initiative to develop virtual power plants across the province. Based on insights gained from these projects, BC Hydro plans to explore the possibility of deploying batteries in other areas that experience frequent outages. By advancing this innovative project, BC Hydro aims to create more robust and adaptable energy infrastructure approaches and solutions, paving the way for a future where residential power systems seamlessly integrate with the broader electrical grid.
BC Hydro’s suite of Peak Saver programs have seen a surge in participation, doubling since October 2024 to over 100,000 members today. Port Coquitlam, Kelowna, and Victoria are leading the way in engagement. Collectively, participants have contributed to 40 megawatts in demand savings – equivalent to charging more than 40,000 electric vehicles.
Through its Peak Saver program, BC Hydro customers can also receive bill credits by reducing electricity use during brief periods of high demand, known as peak events. By adjusting energy consumption, participants help demand on the system while earning financial rewards.
Two incentive options are available:
- Peak Saver Challenge: Customers can opt into challenges to reach a specified energy reduction target during each peak event. Those who successfully meet the target receive a reward, with an average payout of $3 per event.
- Smart Home Device Enrollment: Enrolled smart home devices are automatically adjusted during peak events to optimize energy use. Customers earn a $50 reward per device type while retaining the ability to override settings at any time. Eligible device types include:
- Smart thermostats
- Electric vehicle chargers
- Load controllers
- Home batteries
Both the battery storage projects and the Peak Saver program are part of BC Hydro’s $700 million expanded Energy Efficiency Plan, which increases investments in tools, technology, programs, and rebates for customers over the next three years. These efforts are designed to encourage more energy-efficient choices and help customers reduce their energy consumption. BC Hydro’s Energy Efficiency Plan will save customers $80 million annually and achieve over 2,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity savings by 2030 — enough to power more than 200,000 homes.
For more information on these projects, battery storage rebates or the Peak Saver program, visit bchydro.com.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468