BC Hydro Rates Rise

The rate came into effect April 1, 2014.

“We’re investing in our electricity system and keeping rates as low as possible. The 10-year plan for BC Hydro rates ensures predictable rates and reasonable increases. A rate increase of nine per cent takes effect on April 1, 2014.”

BC Hydro

It was no April fools joke that BC Hydro increased their rates on the first of the month.  With Hydro’s 9% rate hike, residential customers should expect to see an $8 average increase each month, with commercial customers looking at paying an average of $20 more per month.  Although BC has historically had some of the lowest electricity prices in North America, the infrastructure required to supply a growing demand is steadily driving prices higher.  At the same time, photovoltaic (solar electric) hardware prices have come down about 80% in the last ten years, meaning that a small-to-medium scale PV system can be a wise investment that not only offsets greenhouse gas emissions and reduces the need for flooding valleys, but pays customer dividends in the form of significantly-reduced Hydro bills.

Even with the latest rate increases our power is still relatively inexpensive so you won’t see a quick payback on a solar enery system. However, over the lifetime of the system (30+ years) you will see a positive return on investment.