BC Hydro serves approximately 95% of British Columbia’s electricity customers — roughly 1.9 million accounts. As of July 1, 2026, BC Hydro’s net metering program has been restructured into a self-generation service with a flat 10¢/kWh export rate for new participants, replacing the previous retail-rate kWh credit system. The export limit is 100 kW per phase, with the old nameplate capacity cap removed entirely. This guide walks BC solar installers through the self-generation application process, Technical Safety BC permit requirements, metering, and how FortisBC’s program compares for customers outside BC Hydro territory.
Critical Compliance Shift — July 1, 2026
BC Hydro closed Rate Schedule 1289 (Net Metering) to new applicants on July 1, 2026. All new solar connections from this date forward are enrolled on Rate Schedule 2289 (Self-Generation Service) at a flat 10¢/kWh export rate. If a customer accepted a BC Hydro solar rebate before March 24, 2026, they automatically transition to RS 2289 on July 1, 2026 — unless they repay the rebate. Installers should set customer expectations accordingly: new projects will not receive 1:1 retail-rate kWh credits.
BC Hydro Self-Generation: Program Rules
Who Is Eligible
BC Hydro’s self-generation program is open to residential and commercial customers who:
- Have an active BC Hydro account with a bidirectional communicating smart meter
- Generate electricity from a renewable resource — solar PV qualifies under BC’s Clean Energy Act
- Own or lease the generating system
- Connect the system to BC Hydro’s distribution network
Systems generating from non-renewable sources (diesel, natural gas) are not eligible.
Export Limits and System Sizing
The key change effective July 1, 2026: BC Hydro replaced the old 100 kW nameplate capacity cap with an export volume limit of 100 kW per phase. A three-phase commercial connection can therefore export up to 300 kW total. There is no longer a cap on how large a system can be — what matters is how much you export.
In practice, most residential installations run 5–15 kW and are sized to match or slightly exceed annual consumption. BC Hydro previously rejected applications where the system was grossly oversized relative to consumption (systems generating 40–50 times more than the customer used), so the rule of thumb remains: design the system to match annual load.
For community generation under Rate Schedule 2290, a shared facility can export up to 2 MW.
Credit Rate Structure
Rate Schedule 2289 (New customers from July 1, 2026):
| Generation Scenario | Compensation |
|---|---|
| On-site consumption (self-consumption) | Offsets the retail rate you’d otherwise pay — typically Step 1 (8.84¢/kWh) or Step 2 (13.26¢/kWh) |
| Surplus export to BC Hydro grid | 10¢/kWh, paid each billing cycle as a bill credit |
Rate Schedule 1289 (Grandfathered legacy customers):
| Generation Scenario | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Monthly net consumption offset | 1:1 kWh offset at the applicable retail tier rate |
| Annual surplus (generation exceeds annual load) | Paid out once per year at the net surplus compensation rate (~$9.99/kWh) |
Legacy customers retain RS 1289 for up to 10 years from their original self-generation start date. After that window, they migrate to RS 2289.
Billing Period and Settlement
Under RS 2289, exports are valued each billing cycle (monthly for most customers). There is no year-end true-up or kWh banking — each billing period is settled independently.
Under RS 1289, unused kWh credits roll forward month to month throughout the year. Any surplus remaining at the annual anniversary date is paid out at the net surplus compensation rate (~$9.99/kWh), which is considerably lower than the retail rate — which is why systems under the old program were designed not to overproduce.
Utility Territory Check
Before starting any BC solar project, confirm which utility serves the address. The customer’s electricity bill will show the utility name. BC Hydro serves Metro Vancouver, Vancouver Island, northern BC, and most of the province. FortisBC serves the southern interior: Kelowna, Kamloops, Trail, Nelson, Prince George, and parts of the Okanagan. A customer in Kelowna applies to FortisBC — not BC Hydro.
BC Hydro vs. FortisBC Net Metering: Side-by-Side
| Feature | BC Hydro (RS 2289, new customers) | FortisBC |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum system size | 100 kW per phase export limit | 50 kW nameplate capacity |
| Credit rate | 10¢/kWh per billing cycle (flat rate) | 1:1 retail kWh offset |
| kWh banking | No — monthly cash compensation | Yes — 12-month kWh bank |
| Annual surplus settlement | N/A (monthly billing) | RS 3808 Tranche 1 wholesale rate |
| Service territory | 95% of BC (Metro Vancouver, Island, North) | Southern interior, Okanagan, Kootenay |
| Program status | New rate schedule effective July 1, 2026 | Unchanged as of April 2026 |
| Application method | Online via MyHydro | FortisBC application form + Interconnection Agreement |
| Interconnection cost | Bidirectional meter provided by BC Hydro | Interconnection is free (FortisBC installs meter) |
Technical Requirements
Inverter Certification
All inverters must be certified to Canadian standards. BC Hydro requires:
- CSA C22.2 No. 107.1 — utility interconnection certification
- CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 257 — anti-islanding compliance
- The inverter must cease energizing the distribution system within 0.1 seconds of BC Hydro supply loss (anti-islanding)
BC Hydro maintains a list of common inverters that have already been approved. If the proposed inverter is on this list, no additional data sheet submission is needed. For inverters not on the list, submit a certified inverter data sheet with the application.
Grid-dependent inverters are standard for most residential solar — they only operate when the BC Hydro grid is live. Grid-interactive (hybrid) inverters that can operate in stand-alone mode must be verified to operate in grid-dependent mode when connected.
Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) are now required for BC solar installations under the 2024 Canadian Electrical Code.
Metering
BC Hydro installs and owns the bidirectional smart meter at no additional cost to the customer. The existing smart meter on most BC homes already supports bidirectional measurement — BC Hydro updates it remotely or swaps it as part of the interconnection process. Customers do not need to arrange a separate meter installation.
The smart meter records:
- Import from BC Hydro (consumption)
- Export to BC Hydro (generation surplus)
- Net consumption per billing period
Protection Settings
Per BC Hydro’s DGTIR-100 standard:
- Inverter must disconnect automatically within 0.1 seconds on loss of BC Hydro supply (anti-islanding)
- Voltage and frequency ride-through settings per CSA C22.2 No. 107.1
- For systems above 27 kW (Complex A), protection settings must be documented in the application
BC Hydro does not require a dedicated AC disconnect switch at the meter base for most residential systems — the inverter’s internal disconnection function satisfies the anti-islanding requirement. However, some older homes may require a manual disconnect depending on the site assessment.
Grounding and Disconnect
Under CSA C22.1 Section 64 (Renewable Energy Supply Systems):
- All metal racking and frame components must be bonded to the system grounding electrode
- Array grounding per Section 64-200 through 64-210
- A DC rapid shutdown system is required for rooftop arrays — the shutdown must bring the array voltage below 30V within 30 seconds of activation
- Combiner boxes and string fusing must meet Section 64 current rating rules
- Anti-oxidant compound required on aluminum conductor terminations
Step-by-Step: BC Hydro Self-Generation Application
Confirm utility, eligibility, and pre-application
Verify BC Hydro serves the address (check the electricity bill). Review system design against BC Hydro’s DGTIR-100 standard. For rebate eligibility, note that BC Hydro’s solar rebate program requires using a contractor in the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) as of June 1, 2026. Confirm the inverter model is on BC Hydro’s common inverter list or prepare a certified data sheet. Contact BC Hydro at self.generation@bchydro.com for complex project pre-screening.
Pull the Technical Safety BC electrical permit
The licensed electrical contractor pulls an electrical installation permit through Technical Safety BC’s portal at portal.technicalsafetybc.ca/forms/FRM0406. A Field Safety Representative must be named on the permit. Fee: $211 for a standalone residential solar installation (January 2026 schedule). In exempt municipalities (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Victoria, West Vancouver), permits are pulled through the local municipality’s electrical department instead. The FSR declares compliance and requests inspection after installation — inspection must be completed within 180 days of permit issuance.
Submit the BC Hydro online application — before installation
Log into MyHydro at app.bchydro.com/net-meter/web/start-application.html. Required: BC Hydro account number, meter number, system specifications (kW, inverter model), and certified inverter data sheet (unless on BC Hydro’s common list). Contractors can initiate a draft application transferred to the customer for authorization. Do not order equipment or begin installation until BC Hydro issues written technical acceptance — purchasing before acceptance voids rebate eligibility.
Receive technical acceptance and install
BC Hydro reviews applications for Simple projects (up to 27 kW) within approximately 2 weeks. Complex A and B projects take longer. Once technical acceptance is issued, proceed with installation to BC Hydro’s DGTIR-100 standard and CSA C22.1 Section 64. For Complex B projects (batteries, hybrid inverters), submit single-line diagrams and site plans before installation. The total time from application to installation is typically 4–8 weeks for residential systems.
Pass Technical Safety BC inspection and upload documentation
After installation, Technical Safety BC (or the local municipality) inspects the work. The FSR completes the Electrical Contractor Authorization document, which includes the TSBC permit number. Upload this document to MyHydro along with the final invoice (required for rebate claims). BC Hydro reviews the uploaded documentation — typically within 1–2 weeks — and issues the grid connection authorization. The bidirectional meter is updated remotely. Rebates (if applicable) are paid within 30–45 business days of interconnection approval.
System goes live and billing begins
Once grid connection is authorized, the system can begin exporting. The first bill under RS 2289 will show both the retail charges for imported electricity and a 10¢/kWh credit for any exported surplus. Under RS 1289 (grandfathered), the bill shows net consumption with kWh credits carried forward. Check the first 1–2 bills carefully to confirm the metering and credit structure are applied correctly. Contact BC Hydro at self.generation@bchydro.com if there are discrepancies.
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Permits and Inspections in BC
Technical Safety BC: The Provincial Permit Authority
Technical Safety BC (formerly BC Safety Authority) is the provincial safety regulator for electrical installations outside the exempt municipalities. For solar PV:
- A licensed electrical contractor must apply for the permit — homeowner self-permits are allowed in some circumstances but not typical for grid-tied solar
- An FSR (Field Safety Representative) must be named on every permit — the FSR certifies the work meets the Canadian Electrical Code
- The permit covers the full electrical installation, including DC wiring, inverter, AC disconnect, panel work, and interconnection point
The online permit portal is at technicalsafetybc.ca/permits/electrical-installation.
Exempt Municipalities
In the following municipalities, electrical permits are handled by the local building department — Technical Safety BC does not issue the permit, though it may still be involved in oversight:
- Vancouver
- Burnaby
- Surrey
- North Vancouver
- Maple Ridge
- Victoria
- West Vancouver
Always confirm the permit authority before submitting. Submitting to the wrong authority delays the project.
What Technical Safety BC Inspects
During the electrical inspection, the TSBC Field Safety Representative verifies:
- Wiring gauge and ampacity ratings meet Section 64 requirements
- DC rapid shutdown system installed and functional
- AFCI protection in place per 2024 Canadian Electrical Code
- All metal components properly bonded and grounded
- Inverter labelled and disconnects accessible
- AC panel work meets code — breaker sizing, busbar rating
BC Hydro’s Final Approval
After the TSBC inspection and documentation upload, BC Hydro verifies:
- Inverter model matches the approved application
- System specifications match what was submitted
- Electrical Contractor Authorization document is complete and signed
BC Hydro updates the smart meter remotely in most cases — no site visit required. The customer receives a confirmation email with the grid connection authorization date.
Timeline and Fees
| Step | Typical Timeline | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| BC Hydro application review (Simple — up to 27 kW) | 1–2 weeks | No fee |
| BC Hydro application review (Complex A or B) | 2–6 weeks | No fee |
| Technical Safety BC electrical permit | Same day or next day (online) | $211 (residential solar, standalone) |
| TSBC electrical inspection | Within 180 days of permit — typically 1–3 weeks after request | Included in permit fee |
| BC Hydro documentation review post-inspection | 1–2 weeks | No fee |
| Total (residential Simple application, no rebate) | 4–8 weeks from application to grid connection | ~$211 (permit) |
| Rebate payment (if applicable) | 30–45 business days after interconnection | N/A |
Note: Fee amounts are per Technical Safety BC’s January 2026 schedule. Exempt municipality fees vary — check with the local building department.
Common Application Rejections
| Reason for Rejection | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Application submitted after equipment purchase | Submit the online application first; wait for BC Hydro’s technical acceptance before ordering or installing |
| Inverter not on common list and no data sheet attached | Check BC Hydro’s inverter list before the application; attach a certified CSA-compliant data sheet for unlisted models |
| System grossly oversized relative to annual consumption | Size the system to match or modestly exceed annual load — do not design a system that exports 5–10 times more than the site consumes |
| Paper, PDF, or email application submitted | BC Hydro only accepts online applications via MyHydro since March 21, 2025 |
| FSR not named on Technical Safety BC permit | FSR must be designated before permit issuance; update the permit if personnel change |
| Complex B project missing single-line diagram or site plan | For projects with batteries, hybrid inverters, or generators, submit all required documentation upfront |
| Contractor not in HPCN (for rebate projects) | Confirm HPCN membership before accepting a rebate project; enrollment is through BC Hydro’s contractor portal |
| Tesla products specified on rebate application | Tesla products have been ineligible for BC Hydro rebates since March 12, 2025 — substitute with an eligible product |
FortisBC Net Metering (Non-BC-Hydro Areas)
FortisBC operates in BC’s southern interior, including Kelowna, Kamloops, Trail, Nelson, Revelstoke, and parts of Prince George. Customers in these areas apply to FortisBC, not BC Hydro.
FortisBC Program Summary
FortisBC’s net metering program has not been restructured in the way BC Hydro’s was. As of April 2026, FortisBC continues to offer a straightforward 1:1 retail credit:
- Maximum system size: 50 kW nameplate capacity (individual customers); system cannot exceed anticipated annual consumption
- Credit mechanism: kWh Bank — every unit exported offsets a unit of future consumption at the same retail rate
- Credit rollover: Credits accumulate month-to-month throughout the year
- Annual surplus settlement: At the 12-month anniversary, any surplus kWh remaining in the bank is paid out at the BC Hydro RS 3808 Tranche 1 wholesale rate — a lower rate, so FortisBC customers also benefit from right-sizing systems to annual consumption
- Renewable sources: Solar, wind, geothermal, small hydro, wood residue, and organic municipal waste
- Interconnection cost: Free — FortisBC installs the bidirectional meter at no charge
FortisBC Application Process
- Complete FortisBC’s net metering application form (available on fortisbc.com)
- FortisBC reviews and issues construction approval
- Install the system using a licensed electrical contractor and pull a Technical Safety BC permit (same TSBC process as BC Hydro areas — including exempt municipalities in FortisBC territory)
- Complete the FortisBC Interconnection Agreement after installation
- FortisBC installs the bidirectional meter and activates net metering
FortisBC’s program remains one of the most installer-friendly in Canada — 1:1 retail credits are the gold standard, and FortisBC has not announced plans to move to a flat export rate as of this writing.
Key Difference for Installers
FortisBC customers using solar design software should note the 50 kW nameplate cap when sizing commercial systems — a design that exceeds 50 kW will not qualify for net metering and will require a different interconnection agreement. For residential customers, the practical limit is annual consumption — the same sizing principle applies to both utilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum solar system size BC Hydro allows for self-generation?
BC Hydro replaced the old nameplate capacity cap with an export volume limit of 100 kW per phase. There is no longer a hard cap on generation system size — what matters is how much you export, not how large the system is. For practical residential installations, systems are typically sized to match annual consumption, in the 5–20 kW range.
How does BC Hydro credit solar exports under the new self-generation rate?
As of July 1, 2026, new customers on Rate Schedule 2289 receive a flat 10¢/kWh for surplus electricity exported to BC Hydro, paid each billing cycle. Existing net metering customers without a rebate (RS 1289) retain their 1:1 retail-rate kWh credit for up to 10 years from enrollment. Customers who accepted a BC Hydro solar rebate transition to the 10¢/kWh rate on July 1, 2026.
How do I apply for BC Hydro self-generation?
Apply online at app.bchydro.com/net-meter/web/start-application.html through a MyHydro account. Paper, PDF, fax, and email applications are no longer accepted (since March 21, 2025). You need your BC Hydro account number, meter number, system specifications, and a certified inverter data sheet. Apply before purchasing or installing equipment.
Do unused solar credits expire with BC Hydro?
Under legacy RS 1289, kWh credits roll month-to-month within the year. Annual surplus at the anniversary date is paid at the net surplus compensation rate (~$9.99/kWh). Under new RS 2289, there is no kWh bank — exports are compensated at 10¢/kWh each billing cycle.
Can FortisBC customers use net metering in BC?
Yes. FortisBC operates a separate net metering program for its customers in the southern interior and Okanagan, with a 50 kW nameplate cap and 1:1 retail kWh credits. The program is unchanged as of April 2026. Customers apply directly to FortisBC, not BC Hydro.
For system design, use solar software that generates CSA C22.1-compliant single-line diagrams and exports documentation formatted for BC Hydro’s online application. This avoids the back-and-forth that comes with manual documentation preparation — especially for Complex B projects with batteries. See the Canada solar compliance hub for provincial regulations and other utility guides across Canada.
