Energy Efficient Power Smart Program Gets Unprecedented Upgrade with New BC Hydro Launching 'Power Smart 2.0' Plan

Government of B.C. launches Power Smart 2.0 plan to save money and reduce energy use (Source: Flickr, BC Gov Photos) 

Government of B.C. Introduces New Power Smart 2.0 with Huge Investment of $1.1 Billion Dollors in BC Hydro 

Listen To This News Article

Government of British Columbia & BC Hydro (Victoria, British Columbia) (May 19, 2026): BC Hydro has launched the Power Smart 2.0 plan to empower the British Columbians pocket, reduce energy consumption and bills in coming years. BC Hydro's Power Smart program was first introduced in 1989 has played pivotal role in saving british columbians money, electricity and resources. 

The new annoucement from Government of British Columbia takes things further with new effortless ways, British Columbians now will be able to save more on money and electricity including customers getting Free Smart Thermostats ($350 in value will available in fall 2026 for homes with electric-baseboard heating, helping automate savings and improve comfort), New Rewards program for residential customers providing ability to earn as much as $200 per year on top of savings via using less energy, additional support for the Lower Income Households being eligible to earn upto $325 annually ($100 for connected Thermostats via Peak Saver program and $225 rewards for sucessful Team Power Smart challenge), Instant Rebates at checkout when customer buying energy-efficient products (leading to savings from $10 to $200 worth of savings) at more than 300 retail and appliances stores in British Columbia.

BC Hydro's Peak Saver Program (Source: YouTube, BC Hydro) 

BC Hydro will also be launching a New Digital app fall this year, expected to make easier to track usage, access programs and manage accounts. The government will be investing a tremendous amount of $1.1 Billion Dollars ($265 million accounted for residential, $334 million for industrial, $247 million for commercial, $106 million for equity/affordability and $141 million for supportive initiatives) over Next Three years. All of this while creating new offers for customers, rebates and rewards to help homes and businesses across B.C. reduce and shift energy use and lower cost. The investment is notably largest investment in BC's Energy, Climate & Conservation solution projects, thus far. 

David Eby (Premier, British Columbia) has said, "British Columbians are feeling the pressure of global inflation, and they’re looking for practical ways to reduce costs. This plan helps do exactly that by making it easier for families and businesses to reduce their energy bills, while also offering rebates putting more money back in people’s pockets."

Adrian Dix (Minister of Energy & Climate Solutions, British Columbia) has said, "For over 35 years, Power Smart has been helping British Columbians save energy, and money at home, in the office and on the job site. Today, I’m thrilled to launch Power Smart 2.0, putting the power of history into new programs and investments for the next 35 years and beyond. Together, we can save money, reduce the need for new energy infrastructure and ensure our competitive, low rates stay that way."

Christine Boyle (Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, British Columbia) has said, "The new BC Hydro Power Smart 2.0 plan is making it even easier for people to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. This historic investment is providing cost savings to British Columbians and helping people to make energy-efficient choices even easier."

Charlotte Mitha (CEO, BC Hydro) has said, "This $1-billion investment is about unlocking savings at every level from households to large industries. We’re giving customers the tools, incentives and support they need to make lasting improvements that benefit them and the broader system."

Ravi Kahlon (Minister of Jobs & Economic Growth, British Columbia) has said, "Power Smart 2.0 not only puts money back in the pockets of British Columbians, but it is also going to generate an estimated $1.4 billion in GDP and support 3,500 jobs annually. This includes everything from contractors performing home upgrades, solar panel installers, and designers and builders of new energy-efficient industrial plants, to energy managers and consultants supporting businesses with strategic energy management, integrated energy audits and studies. These are essential jobs that support our low-carbon economy."

Marc Kinna (President & CEO, Baptist Housing) has said, "At Baptist Housing, we see sustainability and resident well-being as deeply connected. Power Smart programs help us invest in upgrades that make our communities more comfortable, efficient and supportive for seniors, while also strengthening our long-term operations. The savings generated through these initiatives are reinvested directly into resident care, services and building improvements, helping us continue providing safe and welcoming homes for seniors across British Columbia."

Dave and Jaclyn (BC Hydro) during the launch of Power Smart 2.0 alongside Adrian Dix, Charlotte Mitha and David Eby (Source: Flickr, BC Gov Photos)

The newly introduced program expected to in effect by fall 2026 will be creating 3500 jobs with a contribution of 1.4 billion towards GDP growth. The colossal project will be building on 35 years of legacy by adding 800 megawatts of capacity savings, 2,200 gigawatts hours of annual energy savings (considered to enough to power 220,000 homes) and more than $2 billion in avoided or deferred infrastructure costs benefits till 2030. The plan also provides 100% funding to elligible Commercial and Industrial projects to support upgrades, process improvements and new technologies. 

According to Government of BC, the Power Smart plan has reduced electricity demand by 7,500 gigawatt hours annually since 2008. These rebates and home improvement funding comes along with existing programs which includes Rebates on windows and doors ($100 - $2000 per window or door), Rebates on improved insulation and air sealing (upto $5,500), High-efficiency heat pumps replacements (upto $4,000), Efficient water heating upgrades (upto $1000 towards installation) and Solar panels & Battery storage (upto $5000 for eligible grid-solar panel with additonal $5000 for battery storage system for qualifying residential customers). Power Saver Challenges is another great tool if opted customers can avail $3 per event (by manually shifting or reducing use by 20% over a 4-hour window during Peak Saver events), $100 - $500 enrollment incentive plus discounted rates for charging EV overnight through Residential Time of Day Rate. 

Click here to read more from the annoucement by Government of BC. Click here to view and read more about the Power Smart 2.0 - Putting conservation first plan. Click here to read more about Peak Saver programs. Click here read more about demand response for business. Click here to read and join Team Power Smart. Click here to read more about Income support for qualified customers. Click here to enroll your smart home devices. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

About British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) 

BC Hydro is British Columbia's Crown Corporation owned by Government of British Columbia and regulated by B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC). The organization generates, manufactures, conserves, supply, acquire, and dispose of power and related products throughout the communities of British Columbia. BC Hydro was originally established in 1962 after government of B.C. passed BC Hydro Act under the leadership of Premier W.A.C. Bennett. The Hydro corporation has three primary subsidiaries Powerex Corp., Powertech Labs and Columbia Hydro Constructors Ltd (CHC). The organization is fully funded by government of british columbia providing 5 Million B.C. residents with reliable electrictiy. The electricity energy mix is accounted from 98% renewable sources with a network of 80,000 kms of transmission and distribution lines, 132 independent power producer projects, 33 Hydro plants and over 300 substations in British Columbia. 

Click here to read more about the BC Hydro. Click here to explore careers at BC Hydro. Click here to read the latest news from BC Hydro Newsroom.