BC Hydro’s Transmission Service Time‑Varying Rates Pilot Program is a 4‑year optional rate pilot designed to help large transmission‑connected customers save on electricity costs by adjusting when they use power. This encourages customers to reduce or shift electricity consumption during BC Hydro’s highest‑demand periods (peaks) when supplying electricity is most costly.
How long will the pilot run?
This is a 4-year pilot with an option to switch rates or opt-out before the end of Year One (March 31, 2027). For customers with EPAs, a switch or opt-out can be done before the end of the third billing period of the second billing year.
What are the four rate options?
- RS 2801 – Transmission Service Time-of-Use
Provides a lower energy charge during off-peak seasons and times of day, and a lower demand charge, in exchange for a higher energy charge during on-Peak winter hours.
- RS 2802 – Transmission Service Time-of-Use with Modified Winter Demand
Applies the same energy charges as RS 2801 but includes two separate demand charges:−Lower charge on the customer’s highest kVA demand during the Non-Peak period; and−Higher charge on the customer’s highest kVA demand during the on-Peak period.
- RS2821 – Transmission Service Critical Peak Pricing (CPP)
Applies RS 1830 energy charges and provides a lower demand charge in all months in exchange for a Critical Peak energy charge applied from 4 pm to 8 pm on weekdays (excluding statutory holidays) during up to 15 Critical Peak events per year (max 60 hours).
- RS 2822 – Transmission Service Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) with Time-of-Use
Applies the same Critical Peak energy charge and lower demand charge as RS 2821, but also incorporates TOU energy charges: lower energy charges during Off-Peak seasons and times of day, and higher On-Peak winter energy charges on non-Critical Peak days.
When can I switch to another rate or opt out of the pilot?
Before the end of year one of your initial term you will have the one-time option to switch to another optional rate or opt out of the pilot. If switching to another optional rate, the effective date of the new rate will be April 1 of the second year of your term, and you will remain on that rate for the remainder of your term. For customers with EPAs the deadline to switch to another optional rate or opt out of the pilot is before the third billing cycle of the second billing year.
Next steps
Complete the form to participate in the rate pilot. Please note that the date on which we receive the form is the date we consider as the effective date of notice to BC Hydro.
Please let us know by Monday, March 1, 2027, if you would like to participate in this pilot.
Request to participate in pilot
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