Current rate design activities
There are a variety of ways you can participate in our rate design process. Check out the current activities below to see if you're interested.
Ongoing activities
On June 27, 2024, we submitted a rate design application to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) for updates to our residential service rates, self-generation (previously net metering) service rate, non-integrated area rates, and the Electric Tariff Terms and Conditions.
Here’s a summary of the proposed changes:
Residential rates:
- Introduce an additional optional rate that would have one price for electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and no tiered threshold. We’d continue to offer the current tiered rate and optional tiered rate with time-of-day pricing.
- Reduce our current basic charge for multi-unit residential buildings receiving electricity service through one BC Hydro account. The basic charge is included on each residential and commercial customer bill and is used to partially recover the fixed costs of service, such as metering and billing.
Non-integrated area rates:
- Offer residential and commercial customers living in areas not connected to BC Hydro’s grid the same rate options we offer customers that are connected to our grid.
Self-generation (Net metering) service rates:
- Introduce a new self-generation rate that would allow customers to build a generating facility (e.g., rooftop solar) as large as needed to generate enough electricity to meet their own needs.
- Introduce a new community generation rate allowing multiple account holders to contribute to and benefit from community-based generation facilities collectively.
Electric Tariff updates:
- We’ve also applied for various updates to our Electric Tariff Terms and Conditions to improve the customer experience and reflect current processes and costs.
Visit the BCUC's website to learn more and get involved with our 2024 rate design application.
On June 27, 2024, we submitted an application to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) to update our Distribution Extension Policy, which sets out how costs are allocated between customers for new or upgraded connections to our system.
The proposed updates include:
- Reducing the requirement for customers to pay for improvements to our system, except in extraordinary circumstances.
- Increasing our contribution to cover the cost of a system extension to help reduce the cost to a customer.
- Updating our standard service connection and metering charges to reflect current processes and costs.
- Increasing the extension fee refund period and automating the refund process.
These changes are designed to help reduce the cost of connections for many customers.
Visit the BCUC's website to learn more and get involved with our application.
Recent submissions
With your input, we recently undertook rate design processes for the rates below and submitted them to the regulator, the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC).
On July 28, 2023, we submitted an application to the BCUC for interim approval of updated rates for public electric vehicle charging. The application also seeks approval of rates for additional charging power levels, for energy-based rates once regulation and technology allows, and the introduction of an extended stay charge to encourage turnover at charging stations. Our public electric vehicle charging service rate application and network expansion plans are in response to previous decisions by the BCUC and incorporates feedback we've heard from our customers.
The BCUC did not approve the interim rates we applied for and instead has initiated an expedited review process. They invite public feedback on our application.
View the latest updates and learn how you can get involved on the BCUC's website.
On March 16, 2023, we submitted an application to the BCUC for approval of a new default rate schedule for transmission service, Rate Schedule 1830, which would apply to our largest industrial customers. The proposed default rate will transition the current stepped rate structure to a flat rate over a three-year period, helping to remove a barrier to electrification.
The proposal incorporates feedback from customers and stakeholders and improves alignment with our costs. As part of the application, we're also seeking approval for other changes to optional transmission service rates that are related to the default rate.
The application is subject to approval by the BCUC, which will undertake an open and transparent review process. On April 4, 2023 the BCUC issued Order G-77-23 which sets out the Regulatory Timetable for the proceeding.
View the latest updates and learn how you can get involved on the BCUC's website
- Public Notice – The BCUC wants to hear from you [PDF, 181 KB]
On February 27, 2023, we submitted an application to the BCUC for an optional time-of-use rate for residential customers. Customers can receive a credit for electricity used overnight (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and an extra charge for electricity used during the on-peak period (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.), which is when there's the most demand on our electricity system. The optional rate would be layered onto a customer's existing residential rate. For most customers, this is the existing two-tier rate structure.
Residential customers could save money on this rate structure if they can shift some of their consumption during the on-peak period to other hours of the day, particularly electric vehicle drivers.
The BCUC approved this application on December 12, 2023. Learn more about this residential rate design.