How to Apply For Net Metering
Simple Net Metering
You can apply for Simple Net Metering if your project:
- Meets the technical requirements as outlined in our Interconnection requirements [PDF, 596 KB]
- Is inverter-based and the inverters are certified to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) C22.2 No. 107.1
- Has an aggregate inverter nameplate rating of up to 27 kW
- Has self-contained revenue metering (service 200 A or less)
Application process
A technical review will be performed for all applications received for projects located in our Non-Integrated Areas.
Click here for the printer friendly version of the Simple Net Metering application process [PDF, 126 KB]
- Submit an application
- Email a completed Simple Net Metering Interconnection Application Form [PDF, 350 KB].
Trouble viewing the application form?
- It'll take us up to 2 weeks to review your application and assess your connection to the grid.
- Email a completed Simple Net Metering Interconnection Application Form [PDF, 350 KB].
- Install your system
- Once your application is accepted, your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
- Once your application is accepted, your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
- Inspect your system
- Submit your electrical contractor's Authorization & Declaration of Compliance or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer.
- Submit your electrical contractor's Authorization & Declaration of Compliance or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer.
- Connect to the grid
- We'll authorize your connection to the grid.
- This is usually two weeks after receiving the electrical inspection.
- Start saving
- Your next bill will reflect your BC Hydro electricity usage reduced by your electricity generation and by any excess generation we credited you if you generated more electricity than you needed.
Qualified contractors are able to:
- Design and install your clean or renewable energy system safely
- Optimize your system size based on your electricity use profile
- Assist with the application process
- Provide estimated monthly savings
You can find a qualified contractor through the Canadian Solar Industries Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory.
Complex Net Metering
You must apply for Complex Net Metering if your project:
- Meets the technical requirements as outlined in our Interconnection requirements [PDF, 596 KB]
- Does not meet the Simple Net Metering requirements. For example, the project:
- Is not inverter-based, or the inverters are not certified to the requirements of CSA C22.2 No. 107.1
- Has an aggregate size greater than 27 kW and of up to 100 kW
- Is an induction or synchronous generator
- Has instrument transformer revenue metering (services greater than 200 A)
Application process
A technical review will be performed for all applications received for projects located in our Non-Integrated Areas.
Click here for the printer friendly version of the Complex Net Metering application process [PDF, 153 KB]
- Submit an application
Email the following documents:- Complex Net Metering Interconnection Application Form [PDF, 359 KB]
Trouble viewing the application form?
- Electric single-line diagram (Sample line diagram [PDF, 222 KB])
- Site plan (Sample site plan [PDF, 120 KB])
- Additional documentation (as listed on the application form)
- Depending on your application, it'll take us up to 2-6 weeks to review your application and assess your connection to the grid.
- Complex Net Metering Interconnection Application Form [PDF, 359 KB]
- Accepting your application
When we accept your application, we'll provide a few additional requirements which may include:- Field verification testing (charges apply),
- Commissioning report
- Photos of the system – prior to authorizing your connection to the grid (see our Interconnection Requirements for more details).
- Incremental interconnection costs may apply (see Electric Tariff: Generating Facility Connections [PDF, 26 KB])
- Field verification testing (charges apply),
- Install your system
- Your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
- Your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
- Test & commission your system
- Notify us early before the initial energizing and start-up testing of your system, as we may need to coordinate a field verification test or a commissioning report.
- Notify us early before the initial energizing and start-up testing of your system, as we may need to coordinate a field verification test or a commissioning report.
- Inspect your system
- Submit your electrical contractor's Authorization & Declaration of Compliance or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer.
- Submit any other documentation as requested at the time of acceptance.
- Submit your electrical contractor's Authorization & Declaration of Compliance or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer.
- Connect to the grid
- We'll authorize your connection to the grid.
- This is usually two weeks after receiving the electrical inspection.
- We'll authorize your connection to the grid.
- Start saving
- Your next bill will reflect your BC Hydro electricity usage reduced by your electricity generation and by any excess generation we credited you if you generated more electricity than you needed.
Qualified contractors are able to:
- Design and install your clean or renewable energy system safely
- Optimize your system size based on your electricity use profile
- Assist with the application process
- Provide estimated monthly savings
You can find a qualified contractor through the Canadian Solar Industries Association member directory or the BC Sustainable Energy Directory.