Energy Efficiency Features Industrial News
New CleanBC industrial electrification rates take aim at cheaper energy sources

February 8, 2021 – In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia, BC Hydro will provide new CleanBC industrial electrification rates that will offer a discount on BC Hydro’s standard industrial rates to help spur investment and job creation while reducing carbon emissions.

“We’re committed to working with industrial customers who are interested in using clean electricity to power their operations,” said Chris O’Riley, president & CEO, BC Hydro. “That’s why we’re offering a 20% discount from our standard industrial electricity rates for eligible new and existing customers looking to reduce their [GHG] emissions and their use of fossil fuels.”

Specifically, those discounts will apply to:

• New clean industries setting up or expanding operations in B.C., including hydrogen and biofuels.
• Eligible existing customers that install new equipment that uses electricity rather than fossil fuels.
• Eligible new customers that can demonstrate they could have used fossil fuels rather than electricity to power their facilities.

“We’re making it easier and more affordable for mines, clean technology companies and other sectors to use more of B.C.’s clean, reliable hydroelectricity instead of fossil fuels,” said Minister Bruce Ralston.

In addition, the province has directed $84.4 million from Ottawa’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to create a new CleanBC Facilities Electrification Fund that will provide support to customers to reduce the costs of connecting to the electricity grid, or upgrading their connections to use more electricity.

By creating the new industrial rates and supporting the construction of transmission lines, transformers and other system upgrades, the province is encouraging existing and new BC Hydro customers to electrify their operations by connecting to the grid.