Customer generation service rates updates
We’ve proposed changes the rates that support customer self-generation. These changes are being reviewed by the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC), and if approved, will take effect on April 1, 2026.
We expect the BCUC to render its decision in early 2026 and expect the new rates, if approved, to be effective on April 1, 2026. For more information on this open regulatory proceeding, please see here.
Proposal summary
To learn more about our proposed changes, visit the BCUC website for details on the active regulatory proceeding.
Customers would be able to build systems big enough to meet their own energy needs. If they generate more than they use, they can send up to 100 kW per phase back to the grid and earn 10 cents per kWh.
The current net metering service rate would close to new customers once the new rate starts.If you're already on the net metering service rate, you can stay on it for 20 years from when you started the rate.
If you received a solar rebate, you would be moved to the new rate (Rate Schedule 2289) when it begins. If you did not receive a solar rebate, you may stay on the current rate, if you choose to. If you received a solar rebate and would like to remain on the previous rate (Rate Schedule 1289), you will have the option to repay your rebate.
This would be a new service that would allow a host customer to operate a community generating facility that multiple subscribers could benefit from in the form of bill credits.
Self-generation (net metering) service rate updates
Customers with a self-generation system wishing to sell their excess generation to BC Hydro take service using two BC Hydro rates, one for the electricity they receive from BC Hydro and one that BC Hydro pays them for the excess electricity they deliver to BC Hydro’s system.
Current rates for self-generation customers
The rates for electricity received are not part of this application. Customers can choose any rate that is available to them that best meet their needs.
For example, residential customers can choose to receive service under the tiered rate or flat rate. They also have the option to add the time-of-day rate on either rate choice.
For more information on the options available to residential customers, please see our residential rates.
Currently, customers with a self-generation system who wish to sell their excess generation to BC Hydro also take service under Rate Schedule 1289 net metering service rate.
Under this current rate schedule, any excess generation the customer delivers to BC Hydro is banked as kWh credits, which can be used to offset their current and future billed consumption.
Proposed rate
BC Hydro’s net metering service rates application is proposing a new self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289) that will replace the net metering service rate. This is the rate referred to in the Solar Rebate terms and conditions.
Under this proposed rate, customers would be compensated for all excess generation at a fixed energy price of 10 cents per kWh.
The proposed energy price of 10 cents per kWh more appropriately reflects the value BC Hydro receives from customers’ excess generation. This includes BC Hydro’s cost to source other forms of renewable energy such as energy purchase agreements with independent power producers, which helps keep rates low for all BC Hydro customers.
Rebates and Rate Schedule 2289
For an average residential customer, BC Hydro’s solar rebate can significantly reduce the upfront capital investment and is expected to fully offset the impact of the proposed rate change. Therefore, we proposed that customers who receive BC Hydro’s solar rebate to be transitioned to the new Rate Schedule 2289, when it’s effective. Customers who have accepted the BC Hydro solar rebate will be contacted about the options available to them if the rate changes are approved.
We are not proposing a pro-rated option, or an option where a customer would receive service under a combination of both the current net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) and the proposed self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289). If you accept the battery rebate, it will not impact which service rate you are on.
We recognize this rate change may impact existing net metering service rate customers’ expected return on investment. This is why we also proposed to allow existing net metering customers to stay on their current Rate Schedule 1289 for 20 years from the day they joined the net metering service.
Proposing a community generation service
In addition to the proposed changes to the self-generation service, BC Hydro has also proposed a new community generation service for multiple customers to collectively contribute to and benefit from community generating facilities. Community generation would allow customers who could not otherwise participate to have access to self-generation.
How it works
A community generator builds and operates a shared generating facility and distributes monetary credits for excess generation to eligible customers, known as benefitting customers. The specifics of the arrangement would be up to the parties themselves. For example: a strata corporation is the community generator that operates the shared generating facility, while benefitting customers are the strata unit owners.
BC Hydro has proposed that shared generating facilities have a net injection limit up to 1 MW, with the limit set according to number and type of benefitting customers, with 24 kW for each residential customer, and 100 kW for each commercial customer. Benefitting customers must be BC Hydro customers who have an active BC Hydro account.
How to apply
BC Hydro is currently developing the process for customers to apply for the service, should the community generation service rate be approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission.
Current incentives
BC Hydro offers solar and battery rebates through demand-side management (e.g. efficiency) programs. Community generation projects that use solar to offset load (and therefore reduce energy use) are eligible for load displacement incentives. Learn more here.