BC Hydro’s New Solar Billing Changes: What Homeowners Need to Know

Changes to BC Hydro’s self-generation program are on the way, and now is a good time to
understand what they mean for homeowners considering solar. On March 24, the BC Utilities
Commission approved BC Hydro to shift from the current Net Metering system to a new “Net
Billing” structure, with changes taking effect July 1.

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Under the previous system, solar customers received a one-to-one credit for any excess
electricity they exported to the grid. If your system produced more than your home used, those
extra kilowatt-hours (kWh) were credited directly against your consumption. These credits were
applied on each bill. Any excess was carried forward until March 1, at which point they were
“trued up”, making it a simple and highly effective way to offset energy costs.
With the new system, excess generation will be credited differently. Instead of receiving a full
kWh-for-kWh credit, exported electricity will be credited at a fixed rate of $0.10 per kWh.
“Instantaneous Net Billing” will also be introduced, meaning your energy use and exports are
measured and balanced in short intervals throughout the day, rather than over an entire billing
period.

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These changes will apply starting July 1 and will immediately affect customers who received a
BC Hydro rebate as part of their solar installation.
For existing solar customers who had their projects installed prior to the BC Hydro rebate, or
those who chose not to take the rebate, there is a grandfathering provision in place. These
customers will remain on the current Net Metering structure for 10 years from their system’s
interconnection approval date before transitioning to the new Net Billing model.

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Along with the change from Net Metering to Net Billing, BC Hydro has also introduced new
optional rate structures. These include a flat rate, a tiered rate with time-of-day pricing, and a flat
rate with time-of-day pricing. In many cases, these options allow homeowners to adjust how they
are billed to match how and when they use electricity. The potential savings realized from
moving onto a new rate structure exceed the impact of lower export rates for most people.
Choosing the right rate structure will become an increasingly important part of maximizing your
system’s value.

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At Roost Solar, we stay closely aligned with these program changes so we can guide you toward
the best outcome for your home and energy goals. Whether you’re exploring solar for the first
time or considering an expansion, we’re here to help you navigate the options with clarity and
confidence.

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If you’re thinking about solar, now is a great time to start the conversation. Reach out for a free,
no-obligation estimate and learn how these changes may impact your home

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