Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program
Business energy storage incentives
Latest source updateLast Update: July 19, 2026Latest change: BC Hydro’s Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Rebates terms and conditions were revised, including a new effective date, updated eligibility, simplified rebate rules, and new application instructions.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: July 19, 2026
Latest change: BC Hydro’s Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Rebates terms and conditions were revised, including a new effective date, updated eligibility, simplified rebate rules, and new application instructions.
BC Hydro rebate terms updated
The BC Hydro Solar Photovoltaic and Battery Energy Storage Rebates Terms and Conditions now show an effective date of July 16, 2026 instead of June 1, 2026, and the program’s eligibility language has been rewritten for several applicant groups and property types. The rebate structure now uses simplified solar and battery rules with updated caps, percentages, and Peak Saver conditions, and the application instructions add a two-stage process with new required documents. The support/contact section was also revised, and the rate transition note now points to Rate Schedule 2289.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
Closed
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Who can apply
Business customers on a general service or irrigation rate under the Electric Tariff
See full eligibility
Overview
Energy Storage Incentive supports BC Hydro business customers with funding of up to 80% of eligible project costs for energy storage systems. It is available to business customers on general service or irrigation rates under the Electric Tariff for projects that improve reliability, reduce peak demand, and enable demand flexibility.
Find open grants for your business
Explore open funding programs that match your business and project.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase production or service capacity
- Implement environmental initiatives
- Increase operational productivity
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
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
- Acquisition, installation, and operation of energy storage systems (ESS)
Documents Needed
- Incentive application workbook
- Energy storage incentive (ESI) connection form
Official resources
Program guide
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Business customers on a general service or irrigation rate under the Electric Tariff
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
- Batteries that are already purchased or installed
- Tesla products
Eligible geographic areas
- British Columbia
- BC Hydro service territory
- Selected remote microgrid communities
- New Westminster Electric Utility service area
Selection criteria
- Energy savings potential
- Project type and scope
- Technical feasibility
- Compliance with program requirements
How to apply
- Follow the ESS application process detailed in the program manual
- Complete the incentive application workbook
- Complete the energy storage incentive (ESI) connection form
- Submit a program application and sign an agreement with BC Hydro
Processing and Agreement
- Submit a program application and sign an agreement with BC Hydro
- Review connectivity options, select the best option for the project, agree on a delivery timeline, and contract with BC Hydro and the original equipment manufacturer
- Complete installation within 24 months of the agreement signed date
- If the ESS fails the annual reliability performance assessment, a prorated portion of the incentive must be repaid
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?
Energy Storage Incentive supports BC Hydro business customers with funding of up to 80% of eligible project costs for energy storage systems. It is available to business customers on general service or irrigation rates under the Electric Tariff for projects that improve reliability, reduce peak demand, and enable demand flexibility.
How much funding can be received?
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program Funds up to 100% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program program?
To be eligible for the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program program, you must:
Business customers on a general service or irrigation rate under the Electric Tariff
New battery with a minimum nominated capacity of 25 kW and an operating smart meter
Non-exporting ESS connected through the required interconnection process
What expenses are eligible under Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
Acquisition, installation, and operation of energy storage systems (ESS)
Who can I contact for more information about the Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program?
You can contact BC Hydro (BCH) by email at solarrebates@bchydro.com or by phone at 1 866 522 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