Residential rate design
The way our customers use electricity is changing, and we're exploring new rate options to support that.
For example, if you've switched to clean electricity by getting an electric vehicle (EV), we're looking at rates that will give you more choices and opportunities to save when you plug it in at home.
We want to continue to keep your electricity costs affordable while also giving you more options for how you’re charged for the electricity you use and ensure fairness for all customers.
We've applied for a new residential rate
We've carefully considered the input we gathered from over 35,000 customers and our stakeholders throughout the engagement process. On February 27, 2023, we submitted our proposal for a new optional residential rate to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC).
Key insights from our engagement with you
Your input gave us insights into your priorities when it comes to future rate options. Our rate options should:
- Give customers a choice to pick a rate that best meets their needs and lifestyle.
- Incentivize the use of clean electricity rather than fossil fuels.
- Encourage customers to shift some electricity use to overnight to make better use of existing electrical infrastructure.
Learn more about what we must consider when evaluating your rates.
The new rate we've applied for
The new rate we've applied for is an optional time-of-day rate for residential customers.
With this rate, you'll still be billed for your total electricity use in a billing period at the existing two-tier residential rate. Then, you'll get a credit of 5 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity used overnight (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and you'll be charged an additional 5 cents per kWh for electricity used during the on-peak peak period (4 to 9 p.m.). No credit or additional charge will be applied to usage during the off-peak period (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 to 11 p.m.)
This proposed rate could help you save on electricity costs if you shift some of your usage to off-peak periods. It's particularly beneficial to those who charge an EV at home and can charge overnight. You could also save money by shifting other household usage outside of the peak period, such as laundry and dishwashing.
Share your input on the new rate with the BCUC
Any changes to our residential electricity rates are subject to approval by the BCUC, which will undertake an open and transparent review process. On March 14, 2023 the BCUC issued Order G-49-23 – Regulatory Timetable.
Now's your time to share feedback with the BCUC as they consider our rate proposal. This can be done by submitting "letters of comment". You can also register as an interested party to receive updates on the proceeding or register as an intervenor and take part in the process by submitting information requests, which we'll respond to.
The regulatory review process is expected to take about one year. Additional details on the timeline for the BCUC process are available on the BCUC's website.
Background
We introduced the Residential Conservation Rate in 2008 to encourage our customers to conserve electricity, but a lot has changed since then. For example, more of us are:
- Using smart technologies in our homes.
- Making energy-conscious decisions to reduce our costs, support energy conservation, and address climate change.
- Buying and charging electric vehicles at home.
- Switching to clean electricity from fossil fuels to reduce our carbon footprint.
The approach we've been using may not work best for these new technologies and behaviours. That's why we're exploring new approaches, while also ensuring fairness for all customers.
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Receive email notifications with updates about our application to offer an optional time-of-day rate to residential customers.