BC Hydro’s Energy Storage Incentive (ESI)
Turn Your Energy Costs Into an Opportunity
ESI is a new program that offers BC businesses a rare chance to cut energy costs for the long term, build reliability and get up to 80-90% of project costs covered.
Invest in energy storage and save long term
As a BC business owner, your energy bill is one of your biggest fixed costs. BC Hydro is providing a minimum of 80% project funding incentive to its commercial customers with greater than 25kW average consumption to install battery energy storage systems.
The ESI program is one of the most significant energy incentives available for BC businesses today and can be stacked with additional federal incentives, including the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and Accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA).
This means that a 5 MWh battery system with a total project value of $3 million could end up costing the customer only $330,000.
How It Works
Secure your incentive before it’s gone
Incentive programs like this are designed to jumpstart the market, not run forever. Early adopters who move quickly will likely capture the highest funding amounts and minimize their operating costs.
In exchange for the incentive, customers sign a 10-year contract with BC Hydro to utilize their battery energy storage to offset peak demand loads during periods of heavy usage events on the BC Hydro network. Events typically only occur on the coldest days of the winter.
With 24 hours’ notice of high grid demand, BC Hydro sends an automated signal requesting your battery to discharge, powering your own facility and reducing strain on the grid. Your operations aren’t disrupted. You’re helping balance the grid while your battery simultaneously reduces your energy costs.
While BC Hydro is asking for a 10-year commitment, your battery energy storage has a designed lifetime of 20 years, providing you with long-term energy savings and operational resilience.
The steady increase in the cost of energy means battery energy storage systems are able to deliver increasing returns year over year.
Power Your Business With Confidence
SkyFire Energy is Western Canada’s most experienced solar and battery storage contractor and your local expert for navigating the BC Hydro Energy Storage Incentive.
From designing and installing the system to taking care of every little detail of the project including permitting and regulatory applications. We manage the entire process for you, from start to finish.
How Your Business Benefits With Battery Storage
Reduce your peak demand
Reduce your peak demand charges with battery storage. Charge during low-demand periods, discharge during high demand and watch your monthly bill drop.
Obtain a high value asset
Obtain a high value asset at a fraction of the cost and have BC Hydro cover 80% or more of eligible project costs.
Manage your power factor charges
Manage your power factor charges, further reducing your monthly bills and eliminating capacitor maintenance and replacement costs.
Replace diesel backup generation
Replace diesel backup generation with a cleaner alternative, supporting your sustainability goals and eliminating costly annual maintenance fees.
Keep your facility running
Keep your facility running during outages, protecting your revenue, equipment and operations. The transition time to battery backup is milliseconds compared to conventional methods. When combined with a solar PV system, your battery system can continue to recharge even during power outages.
Go further with solar
To maximize your return on investment, pairing solar with battery storage lets your business use more of the energy you generate.
Is Your Business Eligible?
This program is open to BC Hydro commercial and irrigation rate customers who:
Are intending to install a new battery system (25 kW minimum capacity - no upper limit)
Have a smart meter at their facility
Will enter a 10-year demand flexibility agreement with BC Hydro
Note: Tesla products are currently not eligible due to BC’s preference for Canadian-made goods.
Ready to Cut Energy Costs?
Take the first step toward reducing your electricity bills and strengthening your business. Schedule a consultation with SkyFire Energy.