Closed
Last Update: June 13, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Overview
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program offers rebates to help businesses improve energy efficiency and add solar or battery storage. Eligible projects include lighting, refrigeration, HVAC upgrades, energy storage, and solar systems for business use.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Location
- British Columbia
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Energy-efficient equipment upgrades
- Solar photovoltaic installations
- Battery storage installations
- Energy management and demand-response projects
Documents Needed
- Completed online application
- Final paid invoice
- Electrical contractor compliance form or inspection certificate
- Supporting project documentation
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Commercial businesses
- Small and medium businesses
- Industrial facilities
- Indigenous communities
- Social housing providers
Who is not eligible
- Residential customers outside the specific residential offers
- Projects already in progress before application
- Equity co-op housing societies for the social housing offer
Eligible expenses
- Equipment purchase and installation
- Project design and permitting
- Electrical work and related labour
- Eligible interconnection and setup costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Battery-only systems for solar rebate applications
- Projects already underway before application
- Customer equipment costs not covered by the program
- Warranty or insurance-covered upgrade costs
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- BC Hydro service territory
- Selected remote microgrid communities
- New Westminster Electric Utility service area
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by BC Hydro after submission.
- Applicants receive an approval notice by email if accepted.
- A signed agreement may be required before work proceeds.
- Completed projects are reviewed before rebate payment is issued.
Additional information
- Applications are submitted through BC Hydro's MyHydro portal.
- Rebates are reviewed after installation and final documents are received.
- BC Hydro may conduct site verification or quality assurance reviews.
- Funding is subject to available program funds.
Contacts
Other components of this program
Explore related funding streams and grants that belong to the same program.
- Power Smart - Business Energy Saving IncentivesFunding for business energy-efficient upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions about the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program Program
What is the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program offers rebates to help businesses improve energy efficiency and add solar or battery storage. Eligible projects include lighting, refrigeration, HVAC upgrades, energy storage, and solar systems for business use.
Who is eligible for the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program program?
To be eligible for the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program program, you must:
BC Hydro business account
Eligible project and contractor
What expenses are eligible under Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
Energy-efficient equipment upgrades
Solar photovoltaic installations
Battery storage installations
Energy management and demand-response projects
Who can I contact for more information about the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
You can contact BC Hydro (BCH) by email at industrial@bchydro.com or by phone at 604 522 4713.
Where is the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program available?
The Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program program is available the province of British Columbia.
Is the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program is funded by BC Hydro (BCH)