Smarter Energy Savings with BC Hydro Incentives
Here is what you need to know.
Why Energy Storage Is a Smart Investment
Energy storage systems are quickly becoming a must have technology for forward thinking businesses. By storing energy during off peak hours and using it when demand is highest, ESS solutions help organizations reduce peak demand charges, maintain operations during outages, improve energy reliability, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Beyond individual benefits, these systems also support the broader grid by reducing strain during peak periods and limiting reliance on diesel backup generation.
BC Hydro’s Energy Storage System Incentive
BC Hydro’s ESS incentive helps offset the cost of installing battery storage systems while enabling businesses to participate in demand response.
Once installed, the system can be automatically dispatched by BC Hydro during peak demand events. The battery supplies power to your facility, reducing demand on the grid, and then recharges later when demand is lower
How it Works
The incentive is structured to provide meaningful financial support based on system size and cost. Businesses can receive the lowest of:
- $10,000 per kW of nominated capacity
- $10,000 per kWh divided by 4
- Up to 80 percent of total eligible project costs
This significantly lowers the upfront investment required for energy storage adoption
Who Is Eligible
To qualify for the ESS incentive, businesses must meet several requirements:
- Be on a general service or irrigation rate
- Install a new battery system with a minimum of 25 kW capacity
- Have a smart meter
- Complete interconnection or net metering requirements
- Commit to a 10 year agreement with BC Hydro
- Meet ongoing performance and reliability standards
Participation Expectations
Participating systems must be ready to deliver consistent results. Requirements include:
- Event durations of up to 4 hours
- Up to 2 events per day
- Delivering at least 85 percent of capacity for at least 85 percent of events
These standards ensure the system contributes effectively to both business operations and grid reliability.
Bonus Incentive: Stack Your Savings
In addition to ESS funding, BC Hydro has extended its 30 percent bonus incentive across other energy saving programs.
- Available for projects submitted between June 3, 2025 and February 11, 2027
- Projects must be completed by March 14, 2028
- Applies to Business Energy Saving Incentives and Self Serve Incentives programs
Incentives are available for:
- Lighting
- Add-on upgrades for refrigeration
- Add-on upgrades for mechanical technologies such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Pairing Energy Storage with Self Generation
Energy storage becomes even more powerful when paired with BC Hydro’s self-generation program, previously known as net metering.
Self-generation allows businesses to produce their own electricity, most commonly through solar photovoltaic systems, and use it on site while staying connected to the grid. When your system produces more power than needed, you earn credits that offset future electricity use, and in some cases, receive payment for excess generation.
Battery storage enhances this model by storing excess energy for use later in the day, during peak pricing periods, or during outages. This improves both cost savings and operational resilience.
As of early 2026, more than 17,000 customers are already participating in self-generation programs, showing strong adoption across the province.
Together, energy storage and self-generation give businesses greater control, flexibility, and long term energy independence.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
With multiple incentives available, businesses have a unique opportunity to modernize their energy infrastructure:
- Reduce upfront project costs
- Combine multiple upgrades for greater ROI
- Improve resilience against outages
- Lower long term operating expenses
Whether you are considering battery storage, solar generation, or broader efficiency upgrades, these programs make it easier to build a future ready energy strategy.
How EB Horsman & Son Can Support Your Energy Storage Project
At EB Horsman & Son, we help businesses move from planning to implementation with confidence.
We provide scalable battery energy storage solutions and core system components, including inverters, transformers, protection equipment, and control systems, all designed to integrate seamlessly into your operation.
Our team also supports incentive and rebate navigation, helping you align with BC Hydro requirements and maximize funding opportunities, including the extended 0% bonus incentive.
Working alongside contractors and engineers, we help streamline the process from design through installation to ensure long term performance and reliability.
Ready to get started? Contact EB Horsman & Son today to explore how energy storage can work for your business.
