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Solar rebate repayment request

BC Hydro is closing the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers. Effective July 1, 2026, a new self‑generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289) will apply. This is based on the decision made by the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) on our net metering service rate application. You can learn more about the details of this rate change here. 

If you received a BC Hydro solar rebate, you’ll automatically be moved onto our new self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289) on July 1, 2026. If you received your rebate prior to the BCUC decision on March 24, 2026, you will have a one-time opportunity to repay your rebate and remain on the net metering rate (Rate Schedule 1289). You will only remain on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) for 10-years from the initial net metering service start date. If you received a battery rebate as a part of your total rebate amount, you only need to repay the rebate you received for solar panels.

Who should return their rebate

BC Hydro's solar rebate can significantly reduce the upfront capital investment for generation equipment and in most cases will fully offset the impact of this rate change.

The option to repay the rebate is intended to preserve customer choice and enable customers in making an informed decision based on their individual circumstances.

The table below shows payback in years for RS 1289 and RS 2289 based on average residential system sizes. Customers who keep their rebate and move to Rate Schedule 2289 will have a shorter payback period as opposed to returning the rebate and remaining on Rate Schedule 1289 for up to 10 years.

The calculations use average system sizes and energy export percentages to estimate payback periods for each scenario. The table compares payback periods for customers on Rate Schedule 1289 who transition to Rate Schedule 2289 after 10 years with those who retain their rebate and transition directly to Rate Schedule 2289.

Click the table to view it at a larger size [PDF, 25 KB].

Understanding terms and calculations

  • Payback: the estimated payback period in years for your initial investment in your generation system.
  • Excess generation: the surplus energy from your generating facility (e.g. solar panels) that was sent back to BC Hydro's grid after the power being produced has fully served on-site electrical demand.
  • Calculations used to determine the payback period: Total Generation = 1,004 kWh/kW x system size; Total Cost = $2,845/kW x system size

Comparing rates

There are a few key differences between the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) and the new self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289). You can compare the two using the following table.

Stay on net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289): Repay the rebate Move to self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289): Keep the rebate
  • Excess generation: Carried forward asgeneration credits (kWh) and used tooffset consumption
  • Compensation: Annual payout forremaining generation credits at marketprice (varies year to year)
  • System size: Up to 100 kW (single phase only)
  • Effective date and duration: Remain onnet metering service rate (Rate Schedule1289) for 10 years from the initial netmetering service start date.
 
  • Excess generation: Converted to a dollar credit and used to reduce your electricity bill 
  • Compensation: Paid at a fixed energy price of 10 cents per kWh each billing period 
  • System size: Up to 300 kW (up to 100 kW per phase) 
  • Effective date and duration: July 1, 2026 and ongoing

The net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) will be closed to new customers and those who choose to remain on it will only have 10-years from the net metering service start date to stay on this rate. Once those 10-years have passed, you will be transitioned onto the new self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289).

Option to return your rebate

If you've decided that returning your rebate to remain on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) is the right decision for you, you can fill out the request form linked below.

Please note, we cannot give individual recommendations as your operating costs and payback depend on weather conditions and your home’s energy use.

Return your rebate

You have until June 30, 2026, to repay the rebate in full in a single payment. Once you've submitted your repayment form, we will send a follow up email providing detailed payment instructions within three to five business days.

Contact us

If you have questions about returning your rebate, we recommend contacting our customer generation team by email at customer.generation@bchydro.com. You can also call 1‑800‑224-9376.