BC Hydro’s NEW Energy Storage Incentive
NEW Energy Storage Incentive — BC Hydro
Want to make your business more resilient? BC Hydro's Energy Storage Incentive supports commercial customers in acquiring, installing, and running energy storage systems (ESS) that benefit both their operations and the BC Hydro grid
Program Overview
Energy storage systems (ESS) provide reliability and resiliency for businesses and the grid alike while helping to reduce GHG emissions as an alternative to diesel backup generation. Storing energy can help manage peak demand charges, reduce peak loads on the grid and provide electricity during outages.
What’s Covered
Through the Energy Storage Incentive (ESI), businesses can access upfront financial support:
Up to 80% of eligible project costs, capped by whichever is lowest:
$10,000 per kilowatt (kW)
$10,000 per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
80% of eligible project costs
Requirements & Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
Be on a general service or irrigation rate under BC Hydro's electric tariff
Plan to install a new battery (existing units aren’t eligible)
Have an operating smart meter
Be non-exporting to the grid—i.e., meet net metering or generator interconnection requirements
Complete installation and energization within 24 months of interconnection approval
Commit to a 10-year agreement allowing BC Hydro to dispatch the ESS to manage energy demand
Meet reliability performance metrics: at least 85% availability of the nominated capacity in 85% of demand response events, verified annually
Integrate the ESS with BC Hydro’s software, such as IEEE 2030.5, SCADA, or approved API, for dispatch management
Additional Notes
Tesla products are not eligible as of March 12, 2025, due to a policy favoring Canadian-made goods. However, other systems with similar technical specifications are still permitted.
How to Apply
Contact Whitley Electric at 604-219-0167 or info@whitleyelectric.com
Review the Energy Storage System (ESS) application process
Fill out and submit the incentive application workbook
