05/09/2018
Hi everyone!
We've had a lot of people asking about the proposed changes they've heard about to the B.C. Hydro Net Metering program, so here's a few highlights:
First off, for all the customers who have had a solar install completed and were given authorization to commence parallel operation, the proposed changes don't affect you at all.
The biggest change is us as solar installers must size customers solar arrays appropriately, so the system does not produce more energy than the customer would typically use in a calendar year.
You will still be paid $0.09 cents per kWh of energy if you generate more than you consume in a calendar year. Here's an example scenario of when this might happen: You typically consume 20,000kWh a year, and your solar system is sized to offset 19,000kWh. You decide to tour the world for 3 months and remember to unplug everything in your home. During those 3 months your system would be producing energy like normal but you wouldn't be consuming any of it. Good thing you have a Net Metering account with BC Hydro! The energy your system produced while you were gone was registered as credits in your account and if after your 12 month anniversary date you still have energy credits in your account, BC Hydro will either apply those credits to your next billing period or choose to send you a cheque.
The last noticeable change is that any system over 5kW may be required to pay a "Net Metering Site Acceptance Verification Fee". The cost is defined as "BC Hydro's actual costs, to a maximum of $600.00". We're awaiting feedback from B.C. Hydro as to what may trigger this Fee, what is verified and the process involved.
One last thing to keep in mind is even with the proposed changes, B.C.'s Net Metering program is still one of the best in the world! These changes are to ensure the program is kept sustainable and utilized for its intended purpose, which is to allow consumers a way to safely generate their own electricity and offset some or all of their yearly consumption with BC Hydro. Are you ready to utilize the Net Metering program? How much can you reduce your Hydro bill by installing solar? Contact us today for your free solar consult :)
