BC Hydro Net Billing: How Solar Billing Has Evolved in 2026

If you're considering solar in British Columbia, you may have heard the terms Net Metering, Self-Generation, and Net Billing. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is an important distinction: Self-Generation is the official name of BC Hydro's current program, while Net Billing describes how the new program credits customers for excess electricity sent to the grid. The core idea remains the same: generate your own clean electricity, use it first, and receive credit for any excess you send to the grid.

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From Net Metering to Net Billing

BC Hydro's solar program has been evolving for more than two decades.

In 2004, BC Hydro introduced its Net Metering Program, allowing customers to generate their own electricity and send excess power to the grid. Under the original system, excess generation was banked as kilowatt-hour credits and used to offset electricity consumption in future billing periods. _{[BC Hydro]}

Over the years, the program expanded and evolved, and BC Hydro increasingly referred to it as Self-Generation, while "Net Metering" remained the name of the rate schedule.

On July 1, 2026, BC Hydro closed the Net Metering rate to new customers and introduced its Self-Generation Rate (Rate Schedule 2289). The new rate uses a Net Billing approach: rather than banking excess electricity as kWh credits, new customers receive a 10¢/kWh credit for electricity exported to the grid. _{[BC Hydro]}

In simple terms:

2004 → Net Metering: Bank excess electricity as kWh credits.

July 1, 2026 → Self-Generation / Net Billing: Receive 10¢/kWh for excess electricity exported to the grid.

The goal remains the same: generate your own clean electricity, use it when you need it, and reduce the amount of electricity you purchase from the grid.

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What Changed?

The biggest difference is how excess solar energy is credited.

Under the previous Net Metering system, excess electricity was generally banked in kilowatt-hour credits that could be used to offset future electricity consumption.

Under the new Net Billing structure, excess electricity sent to the BC Hydro grid is credited at a fixed rate of:

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‍10¢ per kWh

Instead of banking excess energy as kilowatt-hours, your exported electricity is converted into a dollar credit on your bill each billing period.

For example, if your solar system exports 100 kWh of excess electricity during a billing period, you would receive a $10 credit toward eligible energy charges. _{[BC Hydro]}

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Your Solar Energy Still Works for You First

The most valuable electricity your solar system produces is generally the electricity you use directly in your home or business.

When your solar panels are producing power:

1. Your solar energy supplies your home or business first.
2. If you need more electricity, you draw it from the BC Hydro grid.
3. If your system produces more than you need, the excess is sent to the grid and credited at 10¢/kWh.

This makes smart system design more important than ever. A properly sized solar system can help maximize the amount of clean electricity you use yourself while still providing value for excess energy exported to the grid.

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What About Existing Net Metering Customers?

Existing customers on BC Hydro's former Net Metering rate are not immediately removed from it. They can remain on that rate for 10 years from their initial Net Metering service start date, after which they will transition to the new Self-Generation rate. _{[BC Hydro]}

There are also specific transition rules for customers who received BC Hydro solar rebates. BC Hydro provides the current details on its Self-Generation rate and transition process. _{[BC Hydro]}

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The Evolution Continues

BC Hydro's solar program has evolved from Net Metering, to the broader concept of Self-Generation, and now to a new Net Billing approach for new customers.

For anyone considering solar now, the goal remains simple: produce your own electricity, reduce the amount you need to buy from the grid, and earn a 10¢/kWh credit for excess energy you export.

Solar is still a powerful way to take greater control over your energy use. The key is understanding how your electricity is used, when you use it, and designing a system that works for your home or business.

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Want to See What Solar Could Do for You?

Every property and electricity profile is different. Riverside Energy Systems can help you understand your solar potential, estimate production and design a system around your energy needs.

Try our Solar Calculator to see what solar could look like for your property.

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