New BC Hydro program will help lower bills and reduce energy use, says provincial government

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — British Columbians will soon have the chance to lower their bills and reduce how much energy they use through a new BC Hydro program.

According to a Government of British Columbia release on May 19th, BC Hydro will be launching Power Smart 2.0, calling it the “largest-ever conservation program.”

Power Smart 2.0 builds on over 35 years of conservation success in the province, the release said. The plan involves an investment of over $1 billion to make energy efficiency easier, more accessible and rewarding for households and businesses in British Columbia. 

“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.” 

According to the release, the program was designed to offer practical ways for customers to save with minimal effort.

“British Columbians are feeling the pressure of global inflation, and they’re looking for practical ways to reduce costs,” British Columbia Premier David Eby said. “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.” 

An average customer who lives in an electrically heated home can offset up to one-third, and in some cases nearly half of their annual BC Hydro bill by taking advantage of programs and offers, the release said. 

The programs and offers include:

• Free smart thermostats (valued at $350) available for homes with electric baseboard heating starting in fall 2026.
• New rewards for residential customers, providing the ability to earn up to 200 per year, in addition to bill savings from less energy usage.
• Enhanced support for income-qualified households can earn residents as much as $325 each year, thanks to expanded programs and savings on bills from making energy-efficient choices.
• A new mobile app launched in 2026 will make it easier for customers to track usage, access programs and manage their accounts. 
• Customers can save from $10 to $200 on energy-efficient products at over 300 stores across the province. 

“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,” according to 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.”

Significant benefits from the plan, including capacity savings of 800 megawatts, 2,200 gigawatt hours of annual energy savings, enough to power 220,000 homes and over $2 billion in avoided or deferred infrastructure costs, are expected to be delivered by 2030. 

For more information, read the release.