How to apply for net metering
Program update
The required documentation for complex applications has changed as of May 11, 2023 with the distinction of complex (A) and complex (B) projects. Requirements are listed below.
Interested in net metering for your home or business? Follow the steps below to join the program and start saving on your electricity bill.
Application process
Before you begin:
- Review our eligibility criteria to ensure your project is the right fit for this program.
- All projects including inverters must meet our interconnection requirements [PDF, 596 KB].
- Note the difference between simple and complex net metering below.
| simple net metering | complex (a) net metering | complex (b) net metering |
|---|---|---|
| Inverter-based projects up to 27 kW in size with a self-contained* revenue meter. | Inverter-based projects over 27 kW but limited up to 100 kW in size with a self-contained* revenue meter. OR, Inverter-based solar projects up to 100 kW that have instrumentation transformer revenue metering and don't include:
|
All other projects up to 100 kW that have instrumentation transformer revenue metering and include any of the following, but is not limited to:
OR, Projects with synchronous or induction generators of any size up to 100 kW. These applications require additional documentation, noted below. |
*A self-contained revenue meter can be identified by an additional four-digit meter code following the initial digits of the meter number. The four-digit meter code begins with a letter and if the third digit is either six or seven, the meter is a self-contained meter. For example, P963, K967, or P973.
1. Submit an application
Net metering applications are completed online through MyHydro. The application allows contractors to start a draft application on behalf of their customer, however it will then be transferred to the customer to authorize and submit. Customers can also create and submit their own application.
Before you begin, you’ll need:
- Generating system specifications.
- A copy of the certified inverter data sheet(s), if they aren’t already on our list of common inverters [PDF, 70 KB].
For complex (B) net metering projects, you'll also need to have final, digitally rendered versions of the following ready to upload:
- Single line diagram – e.g. Sample line diagram [PDF, 260 KB]
- Site plan – e.g. Sample site plan [PDF, 154 KB]
- If the project includes battery storage and/or a hybrid or micro-grid inverter:
- Battery inverter data sheet with certification.
- Manufacturer documentation for the power flow management control system.
- Description of the mode of operation, which must:
- Be on the contractor's company letterhead.
- Be signed with the name and contact information of the signatory person.
- Contain a narrative with a logic block diagram describing the intention for a mode of operation with a power flow management control system including: a transfer switch, micro-grid isolation device, hybrid inverter controller, number of battery inverters with ratings, etc., and a protection system in alignment with the manufacturer document and single line diagram.
For complex (B) projects with synchronous or induction generators, the following are also required in addition to the list above:
- Generator data sheet showing nameplate information.
- Description of project protection and control system (logic block diagram or narrative).
- Description of protection failure scheme (see 4.2.3 of DGTIR-100).
- Protection single-line diagram showing: protective relays, relay functions, and protection functions that trip mechanical equipment (such as a protection function failure scheme).
- Description of the generator starting sequence (logic block diagram or narrative).
2. We'll review your application
We'll review your application to ensure the system's setup and configuration meets eligibility and safety requirements.
Our review time depends on the scope of your project, but most are reviewed within two weeks.
A technical review will be performed for all projects located in our Non-Integrated Areas.
We'll notify you if we have further questions or once your application’s been accepted.
3. Install your system
Once your application is accepted, your contractor can move forward with installing your system.
If we requested full field verification testing or a commissioning report for your project, you'll need to notify us before the initial energizing and start-up testing of your system so we can coordinate this.
4. Inspect your system
Have your system inspected. Then, upload your electrical contractor's Authorization and Declaration of Compliance, or Certificate of Electrical Inspection from a Technical Safety BC Officer online directly through your MyHydro account.
For complex projects, you'll need to upload a few additional documents prior to connecting to the grid. You'll see which documents are needed under actions required in your online MyHydro application, and they may include:
- Field verification testing (charges apply)
- Commissioning report
- Photos of the system
If we require incremental interconnection costs (see Electric Tariff: Generating Facility Connections) [PDF, 26 KB], you'll be notified separately by one of our agents.
5. Connect to the grid
After we've reviewed your inspection documentation (usually within two weeks), we'll approve and authorize your connection to the grid.
Then, you're good to go
Within a few weeks, your bill will reflect your net metering usage.
The electricity you generate is first used by your home or business, and your consumption of electricity from BC Hydro is recorded as inflow. When you generate more electricity than you consume, the excess generation is fed back to the grid and recorded as outflow.
View sample net metering bills
How to reach us
If you have questions about net metering, please email us or call 604 224 9376, or if you’re outside the Lower Mainland, at 1 800 BCHYDRO.
The PDF application option is still available, but not preferred. To apply, email us a completed copy of the appropriate PDF form.
- Simple Net Metering Interconnection Application Form (Last updated September 29, 2023) [PDF, 149 KB]
- Complex Net Metering Interconnection Application Form (Last updated September 29, 2023) [PDF, 139 KB]
Trouble viewing the application form?