BC Hydro has announced a new incentive program that will offer rebates for the installation of rooftop solar and battery-storage systems in residential, commercial and institutional buildings. Beginning in July 2024, the program will provide up to $10,000 rebates for homeowners and $50,000-$150,000 rebates for local governments, schools, and businesses.
These incentives are part of a larger suite of Provincial renewable energy development initiatives and energy-efficiency programs to address current and future increases in electricity demand from industrial development, population growth, and the electrification of buildings and vehicles. In addition to solar and battery storage incentives, this spring BC Hydro issued its first competitive call for power in 15 years to acquire an additional 3,000 gigawatt hours per year between now and 2028 – enough to power up to 270,000 homes or one million electric vehicles.
These near-term actions align with the utility company’s Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines its strategy to meet the province’s future electricity needs while aligning with Provincial climate goals and regulatory requirements. These incentives also speak to consistent calls from UBCM’s membership for increased Provincial support for local renewable energy production (2023-NR44; 2022-EB47 and 2020-NR49).
A webinar about these forthcoming solar and battery storage incentives will be held on Monday, July 22 to provide additional information to local government staff and Indigenous Community partners about:
- The role of solar and batteries in BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan and newly announced Energy Efficiency Plan;
- The current state of self-generation in BC;
- Eligibility criteria and Rebate amounts; and
- Finding a contractor.
For additional details about the webinar, please contact Robyn Webb at BC Hydro.