BC Hydro Is Incentivizing Energy Storage Systems in Vancouver. Here’s How You Can Benefit
BC Hydro has long been at the forefront of developing sustainability within the energy sector, not just compared to the rest of Canada, but the rest of the world. Last year, they began incentivizing the installation and operation of energy storage systems for businesses throughout Vancouver. But what are these systems, and how do they benefit businesses and commercial property owners?
At TCA Electric, we’re always looking out for unique rebates and incentives for our clients to take advantage of. When it comes to energy storage systems in Vancouver, this represents a major step forward for the power grid—and one that businesses can significantly benefit from. Let’s take a closer look at this initiative.
The Energy Storage System Incentive
Here’s how the BC Hydro incentive works: they are offering a rebate for up to 80% of the cost to purchase and install new energy storage systems. The total amount of money is calculated based on the kW or kWh of storage added to a given property.
These energy storage systems can then be used by the business, but also must be made available to the energy grid for use in meeting flexible demands put on the power grid. There are several eligibility requirements, so it is important to discuss with a knowledgeable electrician or reach out to BC Hydro to determine your ability to access these rebates.
Also, readers should note that Tesla products are not eligible for this offer as of March 12, 2025.
What Are Energy Storage Systems?
Energy storage systems, or ESS, are devices that can capture and store energy for long periods to then be used at a later time. Homeowners may know of these technologies from a few common use cases, such as battery storage for solar arrays or home battery backup systems. The technology is also somewhat similar to vehicle-to-grid (V2G) devices that enable EVs to store power and give it back to the grid as needed.
The energy storage systems being incentivized here in Vancouver are on a much larger scale, however. These units are installed at businesses, factories, and other large commercial properties, storing much larger amounts of power.
Why Is This Being Incentivized?
Energy storage systems represent a major leap forward when it comes to enabling power grids to better meet shifting demand. Under normal circumstances, periods of high demand can cause spikes in the cost of electricity for end users, and in extreme cases, may even result in brownouts.
By encouraging broader adoption of ESS, BC Hydro and other utility companies around the world can create a system where energy can be stored during periods of low demand, then put back into the grid as needed. This enables the utility company to meet these unpredictable fluctuations in electrical usage.
What Are The Benefits For Businesses?
Of course, these energy storage systems are also beneficial for Vancouver businesses and commercial property owners. While BC Hydro is incentivizing the installation of ESS for the benefits they can provide to the power grid, businesses will enjoy a few advantages, including:
- Flexibility – Businesses can still reliably use these energy storage systems as backup power due to limitations on how much energy BC Hydro can take during dispatch events.
- Cost Savings – By installing energy storage systems now, Vancouver businesses will be able to pay much less of the upfront cost than would normally be required.
- Revenue Potential – Businesses are able to draw energy from the power grid during low-demand periods, then sell it back to the utility company during periods of peak demand for a profit.
Another major benefit of energy storage systems is that they can provide the capacity to support fleetwide commercial EV charging without the need to upgrade the property’s incoming power. By storing excess power, commercial properties can charge their fleets without the EVs drawing straight from the grid, potentially resulting in further cost savings.
TCA Electric: Installing Energy Storage Systems in Vancouver
Of course, in order to take advantage of these rebates, it’s essential to work with a highly experienced electrician. Not only this, but because of the specific requirements for these installations, an engineer will be needed for planning and designing the necessary electrical work.
At TCA Electric, we have the commercial electrical experience and engineering personnel to help businesses throughout Vancouver take advantage of this incredible offer. Whether you have questions about eligibility or you’re looking to get started right away, we’re ready to work with you. Contact our team today to learn more.
