Customer generation service rates updates
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.
Approved rate summary
Customers are now able to build systems to self-supply a bigger portion of 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 will close to new customers once the new rate starts on July 1, 2026.
Customers currently on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) will remain on this rate until 10 years have passed from the initial net metering service start date. Once those 10 years have passed, they will automatically be transferred to the self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289).
If you received a solar rebate, you will be moved to the new self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289) when it begins. 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) for up to 10 years from the initial net metering service start date.
This is a new service that will allow a community generator customer to operate a community generating facility that multiple benefitting customers 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.
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 residential rates
Previously, customers with a self-generation system who wished to sell their excess generation to BC Hydro could also take service under the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289). This rate is closing effective July 1, 2026 and a new self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289) will apply.
Under the net metering 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.
Under the new self-generation rate schedule (Rate Schedule 2289), BC Hydro will purchase your excess generation energy at 10 cents per kWh and you will be compensated each billing cycle instead of yearly.
This fixed 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 this rate change. This is the rate referred to in the solar rebate terms and conditions.
Therefore, customers who receive BC Hydro’s solar rebate will be transitioned to the new self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289) as of July 1, 2026. Customers who have accepted the BC Hydro solar rebate will be contacted about the options available. If you only accepted the battery rebate, this change will not impact which service rate you are on.
A pro-rated option, or an option where a customer would receive service under a combination of both the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) and the self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289) is not possible.
Community generation service
In addition to the changes to the self-generation service, BC Hydro will now be offering a new community generation service. This allows for multiple customers to collectively contribute to and benefit from community generating facilities. Community generation allows customers access to self-generation who otherwise couldn’t participate.
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.
Shared generating facilities have a net injection limit up to 2 MW, with the limit set according to the 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 who are not taking service under Rate Schedule 1289 or 2289 and who are not already a benefitting customer of any other shared generating facility.
How to apply
BC Hydro is currently developing the process for customers to apply for the service which will be made available once the rates come into effect.
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.