BURST
B.C. Hydro is going big on reducing customers’ energy use to avoid having to spend billions on new power generation in the decades ahead.
The provincial-government-owned utility and B.C. government announced what is being called Power Smart 2.0 , described as “the largest conservation investment in B.C. Hydro’s history.”
The aim is to help hundreds of thousands of people in B.C. lower their bills and reduce energy use.
“British Columbians are feeling the pressure of global inflation, and they’re looking for practical ways to reduce costs,” said Premier David Eby. “This plan helps do exactly that by making it easier for families and businesses to reduce their energy bills, while also offering rebates putting more money back in people’s pockets.”
The premise behind Power Smart is to spend on energy-efficiency programs, because “the most affordable energy is the energy never needed.”
Starting this fall, B.C. Hydro customers can get free smart thermostats — which cost around $350 each — if their home has electric baseboard heating.
A new rewards plan will give residential customers the ability to earn as much as $200 a year in savings by using less energy. Customers with modest incomes can also earn up to $325 through programs by making energy-efficient choices.
Also launching this fall is a new mobile app that allows customers to track their power use, use savings programs and manage their Hydro accounts.
Purchases of energy-efficient products at over 300 stores across B.C. will qualify for instant rebates at checkout.
The goal is to save 800 megawatts of hydro capacity by 2030 and reduce energy use by 2,200 gigawatt hours annually — enough to power 220,000 homes.
B.C. Hydro estimates the savings would amount to $2 billion in avoided or deferred infrastructure construction. The program is also estimated to provide $1.4 billion in GDP growth and support 3,500 jobs each year.
“This includes everything from contractors performing home upgrades, solar panel installers, and designers and builders of new energy-efficient industrial plants, to energy managers and consultants supporting businesses with strategic energy management, integrated energy audits and studies,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of jobs and economic growth.
“These are essential jobs that support our low-carbon economy.”
Commercial and industrial customers will also see benefits from Power Smart 2.0, including savings of up to 100 per cent of eligible costs for upgrades and new technologies that reduce energy use.
“This $1 billion investment is about unlocking savings at every level from households to large industries,” said Charlotte Mitha, the president and CEO of B.C. Hydro. “We’re giving customers the tools, incentives and support they need to make lasting improvements that benefit them and the broader system.”
The original Power Smart launched in 2008 and B.C. Hydro said it has reduced electricity demand in the province by more than 7,500 gigawatt hours annually, or enough power for 750,000 homes.
For more on Power Smart 2.0, visit bchydro.com .