BC Hydro Rate Schedule 2289: Solar and Battery
Short answer: Since July 1, 2026, new BC Hydro solar customers are on Rate Schedule 2289. Power you send to the grid earns 10 cents per kWh, credited each billing cycle. The old net metering rate (RS 1289) is closed to new customers. Existing net metering customers keep RS 1289 until 10 years after their start date. This makes using your own solar power (including storing it in a battery) worth more than exporting it.
RS 1289 vs RS 2289
| Net metering (RS 1289) | Self-generation (RS 2289) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who | Existing customers only (closed to new) | New customers from July 1, 2026 |
| Excess power | Banked as kWh credits against your bill | Bought at 10 cents per kWh |
| How often | Settled yearly | Each billing cycle |
| How long | Until 10 years after your start date, then moved to RS 2289 | Ongoing |
What it means for a battery
Under RS 2289, every kWh you export earns 10 cents. Every kWh you use from your own panels or battery saves you whatever you'd have paid BC Hydro for it. When your electricity price is higher than 10 cents, storing solar in a battery and using it later is worth more than exporting it. The export rate is flat, so there's no bonus for exporting at a certain time of day.
We don't publish a payback number here because it depends on your use, system size and rate. Ask your installer to show the math with your own bills.
Battery rebate rules (unchanged by RS 2289)
- $500 per kWh, up to $5,000 if you enroll in Peak Saver within 14 days of the in-service date; up to $1,500 paired with solar otherwise.
- Must be on BC Hydro's qualified battery list and at least 5 kWh. Tesla batteries are not eligible.
- Must be installed by an HPCN member contractor.
What to do next
- Size solar to what you use, not to fill the roof.
- If you want backup power, compare approved batteries.
- Get your self-generation application accepted before you install.
Questions people ask
What does BC Hydro pay for exported solar in 2026?
10 cents per kWh on Rate Schedule 2289, credited each billing cycle, for customers who joined from July 1, 2026.
Can I stay on net metering?
If you were already on RS 1289, yes, until 10 years after your net metering start date. Then you move to RS 2289.
Does a Tesla Powerwall get a BC Hydro rebate?
No. All Tesla batteries have been excluded since March 12, 2025.
See your city's rebates
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See your city's rebates →Sources, checked September 26, 2026: BC Hydro self-generation rate updates · BC Hydro solar and battery rebates · BC Hydro solar and battery rebate terms (July 29, 2026) · BC Hydro ineligible products (Tesla).
