BC Hydro is introducing Power Smart 2.0, an initiative that aims to lower bills and reduce energy use for British Columbians.
The program, that is set to include hundreds of thousands of people in B.C., is set to be the largest-ever energy conservation program.
“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 plan invests more than $1 billion to make energy efficiency easier, more accessible, and more rewarding for households and businesses throughout the province.
“For over 35 years, Power Smart has been helping British Columbians save energy, and money – at home, in the office and on the job site,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Today, I’m thrilled to launch Power Smart 2.0, putting the power of history into new programs and investments for the next 35 years and beyond. Together, we can save money, reduce the need for new energy infrastructure and ensure our competitive, low rates stay that way.”
Offers include a free smart thermostat, available in the fall for homes with electric-baseboard heating. New rewards for residential customers. Enhanced support for income-qualified households. A mobile app that will be launched in the fall that makes it easier for customers to track usage.
“The new BC Hydro Power Smart 2.0 plan is making it even easier for people to make their homes as energy efficient as possible, said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This historic investment is providing cost savings to British Columbians and helping people to make energy-efficient choices even easier.”
The plan is expected to deliver benefits by 2030 such as 800 megawatts of capacity savings, 2,200 gigawatt hours of annual energy savings – enough to power 220,000 homes, and more than $2 billion in avoided or deferred infrastructure costs.
“Power Smart 2.0 not only puts money back in the pockets of British Columbians, but it is also going to generate an estimated $1.4 billion in GDP and support 3,500 jobs annually,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “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. These are essential jobs that support our low-carbon economy.”