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Source verified August 21, 2026
Buy and Upgrade Equipment Program
Business energy storage incentives
Latest source updateLast Update: August 21, 2026Latest change: The Energy storage incentive now requires customers to be on a BC Hydro integrated system and excludes customers in a Network Integrated Area (NIA).View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 21, 2026
Latest change: The Energy storage incentive now requires customers to be on a BC Hydro integrated system and excludes customers in a Network Integrated Area (NIA).
Energy storage incentive eligibility updated
The Energy storage incentive eligibility criteria now require applicants to be BC Hydro integrated system customers. Customers in a Network Integrated Area (NIA) are now explicitly excluded. This changes the program’s eligible service area and who can apply.
Funding available
Up to 100% of project cost
Deadline
February 11, 2027
Opened June 3, 2025
Location
British Columbia, Canada
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.
/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
- 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
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
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
Application form
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Business customers installing behind-the-meter batteries
Who is not eligible
- Transmission customers
- Residential customers, including home based businesses on residential rates
- Independent power producers with power purchase agreements in place with BC Hydro
- Customers providing sole backup power for life-saving or sustaining equipment
- Front-of-the-meter batteries and customers in a Network Integrated Area (NIA)
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is February 11, 2027. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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.