Summary

• Free smart thermostats, bigger rewards, more opportunities for customers to save money
• Historic $1-billion investment will deliver enough electricity savings to avoid or defer $2 billion in costs for building new generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure
• Will drive $1.4 billion in GDP growth, creating as many as 3,500 jobs annually

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Hundreds of thousands of people in British Columbia will soon be able to lower their bills and reduce energy use as BC Hydro launches Power Smart 2.0, its largest-ever conservation program.

“British Columbians are feeling the pressure of global inflation, and they’re looking for practical ways to reduce costs,” said Premier David Eby. “This plan helps do exactly that by making it easier for families and businesses to reduce their energy bills, while also offering rebates – putting more money back in people’s pockets.”

BC Hydro is launching Power Smart 2.0, the largest conservation investment in the utility’s history. This program builds on more than 35 years of conservation success in British Columbia and is built on a simple idea: The most affordable energy is the energy never needed. The plan invests more than $1 billion to make energy efficiency easier, more accessible and more rewarding for households and businesses throughout the province.

“For over 35 years, Power Smart has been helping British Columbians save energy, and money – at home, in the office and on the job site,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Today, I’m thrilled to launch Power Smart 2.0, putting the power of history into new programs and investments for the next 35 years and beyond. Together, we can save money, reduce the need for new energy infrastructure and ensure our competitive, low rates stay that way.”

Helping people save every day

Power Smart 2.0 is designed to offer customers practical ways to save with minimal effort. An average customer in an electrically heated home, taking full advantage of available programs and offers, can offset as much as one‑third, and in some cases nearly half, of their annual BC Hydro bill.

• Free smart thermostats (a $350 value) will be available in fall 2026 for homes with electric-baseboard heating, helping automate savings and improve comfort.
• New rewards for residential customers will provide the ability to earn as much as $200 per year, plus additional bill savings from using less energy.
• Enhanced support for income-qualified households can earn them as much as $325 annually through expanded programs, in addition to bill savings, from making energy-efficient choices.
• A new mobile app will be launched in fall 2026, making it easier for customers to track usage, access programs and manage their accounts.
• Instant rebates at checkout can lead to with savings of $10 to $200 on energy-efficient products at more than 300 stores throughout B.C.

Together, these measures make the efficient choice the easy choice, whether upgrading appliances, managing home-energy use or participating in simple programs that reward everyday actions.

“The new BC Hydro Power Smart 2.0 plan is making it even easier for people to make their homes as energy efficient as possible, said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This historic investment is providing cost savings to British Columbians and helping people to make energy-efficient choices even easier.”

A plan that keeps energy affordable

As demand for electricity continues to grow, Power Smart 2.0 focuses on using energy more efficiently to help keep costs down for everyone. By reducing overall demand, BC Hydro can avoid or delay the need for costly new infrastructure.

The plan is expected to deliver significant benefits by 2030, including:

• 800 megawatts of capacity savings
• 2,200 gigawatt hours of annual energy savings, which is enough to power 220,000 homes
• more than $2 billion in avoided or deferred infrastructure costs

These savings help protect affordability for all customers, while supporting a more reliable electricity system.

Supporting businesses and the economy

While people are at the heart of Power Smart 2.0, the plan also delivers strong benefits for businesses by helping them lower costs and improve efficiency.

Commercial and industrial customers will have access to expanded funding, including as much as 100% of eligible project costs in some cases. These investments support upgrades, process improvements and new technologies that help businesses stay competitive, while reducing energy use.

“This $1-billion investment is about unlocking savings at every level – from households to large industries,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “We’re giving customers the tools, incentives and support they need to make lasting improvements that benefit them and the broader system.”

BC Hydro’s Power Smart investment will help drive economic growth throughout the province, generating an estimated $1.4 billion in GDP and supporting 3,500 jobs each year.

“Power Smart 2.0 not only puts money back in the pockets of British Columbians, but it is also going to generate an estimated $1.4 billion in GDP and support 3,500 jobs annually,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “This includes everything from contractors performing home upgrades, solar panel installers, and designers and builders of new energy-efficient industrial plants, to energy managers and consultants supporting businesses with strategic energy management, integrated energy audits and studies. These are essential jobs that support our low-carbon economy.”

Building on a strong legacy

Since 2008, energy-efficiency efforts in British Columbia have reduced electricity demand by more than 7,500 gigawatt hours annually, which is enough to power 750,000 homes. Power Smart 2.0 builds on that success, combining proven programs with new technology and expanded access.

“At Baptist Housing, we see sustainability and resident well-being as deeply connected,” said Marc Kinna, president and CEO, Baptist Housing. “Power Smart programs help us invest in upgrades that make our communities more comfortable, efficient and supportive for seniors, while also strengthening our long-term operations. The savings generated through these initiatives are reinvested directly into resident care, services and building improvements, helping us continue providing safe and welcoming homes for seniors across British Columbia.”

BC Hydro's stated goal is to empower customers with better tools, stronger incentives and more choice, endeavouring to shape a future where saving energy is simple and the benefits are shared by everyone.

Learn More:

To learn more about Power Smart 2.0, visit:
https://www.bchydro.com/toolbar/about/strategies-plans-regulatory/supply-operations/power-smart-plan.html