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Non-residential rates

How we calculate your non-residential electricity costs

Different rates are available to non-residential customers–including businesses, municipalities, and other organizations–depending on their electricity needs.

General service rates

Most non-residential customers are on a General Service Rate. The rate you’re charged depends on your annual peak demand and total annual energy use.

Irrigation rate

Available for motor loads of 746 watts (1 horsepower) or more for irrigation and outdoor sprinkling, where electricity is mainly used during the irrigation season.

Transmission rates

For customers who use large amounts of energy and invest in electrical infrastructure that allows them to receive service at high voltage (60 kV or higher).

Industrial electrification rates

Discounted rates to help existing and new industrial customers use clean energy.

Street lighting service and related rates

Street lighting is charged a flat rate. Related rates include overhead street lighting owned and maintained as a paid service by BC Hydro, for ornamental street lighting, for traffic control equipment, and for unmetered Small General Service customers.

Closed rates

The net metering service rate closed to new customers on July 1, 2026. Customers already on the net metering service rate can stay on it for 10 years from when they started the rate. Once those 10 years have passed, they will automatically be transferred to the new self-generation service rate.

Customers interested in generating their own electricity can now participate in the self-generation service rate or community generation service rate depending on their needs. 

Non-integrated area rates for the Zone II and Zone IB areas closed to all non-residential customers on April 1, 2025. Business customers who were previously on these rates were automatically moved to a general service rate.

Resources

Power factor and your bill

Some customers will see a power factor surcharge on their bill if their power factor is below 90%. Learn more about power factor.

Help us design new rate plans

We're currently exploring additional residential rate options to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Learn about rate design and how to get involved.