BC Hydro is looking to push people towards their high-capacity electricity usage to off-peak hours by proposing a lower rate. (Dreamstime)

By Alex Rawnsley

billing change

BC Hydro awaiting decision on new, lower ‘time of use’ rate

May 3, 2023 | 3:06 PM

NANAIMO — BC Hydro expects to hear by next year whether a new, lower rate will be approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission.

The utility submitted a proposed rate reduction to the commission on Feb. 27, which would incentivize BC Hydro customers to shift their power usage to off-peak times.

Spokesperson Karla Louwers said the goal is to reduce the load on the grid during the peak times of 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“They will still be billed for their total electricity usage during a billing period at their existing residential rate, but under the optional time of use rate customers will then receive a five cent credit for each kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed during the overnight period.”

Hydro considers the “overnight period” to be between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

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Louwers said a great example of potential use for this rate change would be charging an electric vehicle by plugging it in before going to bed.

A five cent per kilowatt-hour charge would be added to usage in peak times, while the cost of consumption between 9 p.m. and 11 a.m., and 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. would remain unchanged.

“If customers choose to shift their energy-intensive activities like…running their dishwasher or dryer to those off-peak hours, they can save money. For example, customers with an electric vehicle could save an average of $40 to $250 per year by enrolling in this rate.”

Louwers said the proposed rate change is in response to changing habits around electricity usage.

–with files from Jon de Roo, 97.3 The Eagle

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