BESI Program Update: New Incentive Structure Effective July 31, 2025
As a proud BC Hydro Alliance Partner, EB Horsman is excited to share important updates about the Business Energy Saving Incentives (BESI) program that will take effect on July 31, 2025. These changes will simplify incentive calculations and deliver improved rebates to help you save more on their energy-efficient upgrades.
What Is BESI?
BESI incentives reduce the payback period of your initial investment, making upgrades an easy decision. Depending on your energy usage and efficiency upgrades, you can save an average of $2,400 per year on your electrical bill. Business customers can upgrade any of the equipment listed below with eligible, energy-efficient models, and will be provided funding to cover up to 25% of the upfront costs.
- Lighting
- Add-on upgrades for refrigeration
- Add-on upgrades for mechanical technologies: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
BC Hydro is offering a 30% bonus incentive on all business energy-saving incentives projects submitted between June 3, 2025 and February 12, 2026. To be eligible, projects must be completed by March 14, 2027.
What’s Changing?
Starting July 31, the BESI program will align its incentive calculation with other BC Hydro business programs like the Self-serve Incentive Program (SIP) and Custom Program. This means a single incentive calculator will be used across all business programs, making the process simpler and more consistent.
On top of this, the BESI program currently offers a 30% bonus, and there are targeted Feeder Load Relief (FLR) bonuses in specific areas, designed to address grid capacity challenges.
How Does This Affect Your Current BESI Applications?
- Approved applications will remain unchanged.
- If products have not yet been sold, applications can be re-opened and recalculated with the new incentive structure before re-submitting for pre-approval.
Projects with larger energy savings and higher costs stand to gain the most from the updated incentive tiers. Smaller projects with quick payback times, such as TLED lighting retrofits, may see more modest increases.
BESI Program Eligibility
There are no changes to eligibility requirements. The BESI program continues to be available to:
Commercial or industrial sites that consume less than 500,000 kWh of electricity annually.
Sites that exceed 500,000 kWh annually will continue to qualify under the Self-serve Incentive Program (SIP).
Bonus Incentives: Feeder Load Relief Target Areas
Additional top-up incentives are available in specific areas experiencing grid constraints. If you are located in one of these regions, you could receive extra bonuses to help reduce local demand:
- Vancouver (West of Cambie – Shaughnessy, Dunbar, Granville Island, Kitsilano)
- South Surrey/White Rock
- Langley/Abbotsford
- Hope/Kent/Mission
- Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam/Maple Ridge
- West Kelowna
- Duck Lake/Lake Country
- South Victoria
How It Works
1. Contact a contractor
You can request a referral for a member of the Alliance of Energy Professionals. This is a network of energy efficiency trade professionals registered with BC Hydro. If you are already working with a contractor, you will need to ensure that they are a registered Alliance member to qualify for the incentives. Please ask your contractor to confirm and request their contractor ID or reach out to the Alliance team to verify.
2. Decide which technology to upgrade
Energy-saving incentives apply to simple, one-for-one replacements and add-ons, such as replacing 300 four-foot fluorescent lamp fixtures with LED four-foot luminaires or retrofit kits.
You can select from a range of eligible configurations and products in the e-Catalog.
3. Apply online through CEM Hub
Before commencing your project, you must register for a Conservation and Energy Management (CEM) Hub account to obtain pre-approval for your project and submit the incentive application.
4. Project completion
After completing your project, please submit your final documentation in CEM Hub. Once approved, BC Hydro will process your incentive payment.
Maximize Your Savings with Signify and Cooper Lighting
Want to make the most of BC Hydro’s Business Energy Saving Incentives (BESI)? Signify and its business unit Cooper Lighting Solutions offer energy-efficient lighting and smart control systems that help reduce consumption, improve performance, and qualify for rebates. From advanced LED fixtures to connected lighting solutions, Signify and Cooper deliver technology that simplifies control, enhances safety, and drives long-term savings. All of this while meeting BC Hydro’s energy efficiency standards.
Halo Round Surface Mount LED Downlights
Halo downlights are reliable, energy efficient, and easy to install. Ideal for residential and light commercial use, they feature LED options, multiple sizes, and meet candian code requirements.
Metalux Linear LED Striplight
Metalux Linear fixtures deliver uniform, energy-efficient LED lighting for commercial, industrial, and architectural spaces. Ideal for upgrading fluorescent systems, they offer versatile installation and multiple colour temperatures.
FluxGrid Gen2 Recessed LED
Delivers efficient, uniform lighting in a sleek design—ideal for troffer upgrades in commercial spaces. It installs easily and offers various color temperatures and dimming options.
FluxStream LED Strip
It offers seamless, continuous illumination for commercial applications. Its ultra-thin profile and flexible design make it ideal for under-cabinet, cove, or accent lighting, delivering smooth, uniform light with no visible hotspots.
Looking to Maximize Your BC Hydro Incentives?
EB Horsman is here to help. Our experts can guide you through available rebates, recommend the right products for your project, and ensure your installation meets all requirements, making your upgrade seamless and cost effective. Reach out to us today for personalized support and advice.
