We understand electricity is an important part of everyone’s daily lives and technology is rapidly changing the way we use and generate this important resource.

One way we are supporting this change for our customers is through the Net Metering Program. The program is a clean energy initiative that allows residential and commercial customers to offset part or all of their personal electricity use by using solar panel technology to generate their own clean energy.

The program in action

We are committed to creating a sustainable future for British Columbia. This commitment aligns with the Wilden Living Lab project that is building an energy-efficient home that will receive an ENERGY STAR® for New Homes rating and even create some of its own electricity. Check out this video to see how the Home of Tomorrow is participating in the Net Metering Program.

Recent changes

FortisBC has recently applied to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC), proposing a number of updates to its Net Metering Program that will simplify billing, clarify how the program works and minimize any costs that may be passed on to other customers. If approved, the updates would result in slightly lower bills for most net metering customers. The proposed updates are also more consistent with net metering programs across North America.

What do these changes mean for enrolled customers?

Under our proposal, we plan to introduce a kilowatt hour (kWh) bank. If kWh delivered to FortisBC exceeds kWh received from FortisBC in any billing period, the net amount will be carried forward to offset consumption in a future billing period. Customers will continue to receive full credit for any electricity used to offset consumption within a billing period.

Any unused kWh still remaining in the bank after 12 months will be paid out at the maximum rate FortisBC pays other independent power producers. This billing method will produce a bill that is the same or lower if you use more kWh than you generate, but you will receive a smaller credit if you generate more electricity than you use over a 12 month period. This is not the case for most customers.

The Net Metering Program was designed for residential and commercial customers to offset part or all of their personal electricity use with renewable generation. The program is not intended for customers to sell excess generated power to FortisBC.

Customers who would like to create additional generation, in excess of your own use, in larger quantities, can call us at 1-866-436-7847 to discuss other available options.

FortisBC is dedicated to providing a high standard of customer service. As a customer currently enrolled in the program, we want to ensure you have all the information regarding the proposed changes.

For more information, we encourage you to review our application.