Backup NorthBackup power in British Columbia
BC sees long outages from windstorms and atmospheric rivers, especially on the coast and islands. The December 2018 windstorm left about 750,000 BC Hydro customers without power at its peak.
BC Hydro battery rebate (2026)
| Rate | $500 per kWh of installed battery capacity, up to 50% of the installed cost |
|---|---|
| Maximum for a house | $1,500 when installed with solar, or $5,000 when the battery is enrolled in BC Hydro's Peak Saver program |
| Battery-only (no solar) | Eligible only if enrolled in Peak Saver (since April 1, 2026) |
| Minimum size | 5 kWh |
| Product | Must be on BC Hydro's qualified battery list. Tesla products are not eligible |
| Installer | Since June 1, 2026, work must be done by a Home Performance Contractor Network member |
| Solar rebate | Separately, $1,000 per kW of solar, up to $5,000 for a house |
Source: BC Hydro solar and battery rebates. Peak Saver means BC Hydro can draw on your battery at times of peak demand, so read its terms before enrolling. FortisBC electric customers in the Southern Interior should check FortisBC's own offers.
Example: a 10 kWh battery costing $14,000 installed, enrolled in Peak Saver: 10 × $500 = $5,000, which is under 50% of cost and at the cap, so the rebate would be $5,000. Confirm with BC Hydro before buying.
Outage tips for BC
- Check and report outages on the BC Hydro outage map.
- Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island rural lines are often restored last after big storms. Plan for two or three days.
- Wildfire season can bring planned shutoffs and smoke. A power station can run an air purifier (about 30 to 60 W) overnight.
- Electrical work needs a permit through Technical Safety BC (or your municipality in Vancouver).