BC Hydro hoping to be able to charge customers time of use rates
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BC Hydro Time-of-Use Rates propose off-peak credits and peak surcharges, with 5 cent/kWh differentials, encouraging demand shifting, EV charging at night, and smart meter adoption, pending BC Utilities Commission review in an optional opt-in program.
What You Need to Know
Optional pricing that credits 5 cents/kWh off-peak and adds 5 cents/kWh during 4-9 p.m. peak to encourage load shifting.
Optional opt-in TOU plan with off-peak credits, peak surcharges
+$0.05/kWh from 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; -$0.05/kWh from 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
No price change 7 a.m.-4 p.m. and 9 p.m.-11 p.m.
Encourages EV charging overnight; smart meter usage supported
BCUC review about 1 year; shifting under 50% of load may raise bills
BC Hydro is looking to charge customers less for electricity during off peak hours and more during the busiest times of the day, reflecting holiday electricity demand as well.
The BC Utilities Commission is currently reviewing the application that if approved would see customers receive a credit of 5 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity used from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Customers would be charged an additional 5 cents per kWh for electricity used during the on-peak period from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and in Ontario, there were no peak-rate cuts for self-isolating customers during early pandemic response.
There would be no credit or additional charge will be applied to usage during the off-peak period from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.
“We know the way our customers are using power is changing and they want more options,” BC Hydro spokesperson Susie Rieder said.
“It is optional and we know it may not work for everyone.”
For example, if a customer has an electric vehicle it will be cheaper to plug the car in after 9 p.m., similar to Ontario's ultra-low overnight plan offerings, rather than immediately after returning home from a standard work day.
If approved, the time of use rates would only apply to customers who opt in to the program, whereas Ontario provided electricity relief during COVID-19.
During the pandemic, Ontario extended off-peak electricity rates to help households and small businesses.
The regulatory review process is expected to take about one year.
Other jurisdictions, including Ontario's ultra-low overnight pricing, currently offer off peak rates. One of the challenges is that consumers change in hopes of altering their behaviour, but in reality, end up paying more.
“The cheapest electrical grid system is one with consistent demand and the issue of course is our consumption is not flat,” energyrates.ca founder Joel MacDonald said.
“There is a 5 cent reduction in off peak times, there is a 5 cent increase in peak times, you would have to switch 50 per cent of your load.”
