BC Hydro’s Peak Saver Program: How to Save and Earn

Peak Season Power

Do you want to earn money back on your BC Hydro bill just by timing your electricity use a little differently? You can, and it’s easier than you might think! BC Hydro’s Peak Saver program rewards you for shifting your energy use during a short period of high demand. It’s a win for your wallet, the environment, and the energy grid.

At Oceanvolt Solar and EV, we’re all about helping residents like you across Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands make the most of your smart energy systems. BC Hydro's Peak Saver program is the perfect way to get even more value from your setup this winter and summer.

What is BC Hydro's Peak Saver Program?

Every winter from November through March, BC Hydro runs the Peak Saver program to encourage customers to use less electricity during peak times. As temperatures drop, more energy is used to heat homes and power devices, meaning the grid needs relief from these high demands, and you can earn rewards for helping out.

Smart Devices Make It Even Easier

You can enroll your smart devices to automatically adjust during Peak Saver challenges, saving you time and money.

Get a one-time enrollment bonus (up to $500) per device type, applied as a credit to your next bill. Here are the enrollment bonus device types and how much money you could save: 

• Battery Storage Systems: $500

• Electric Vehicle Charger: $250

• Smart Thermostat: $100

• Load Controller: $100

  
  

Plus, earn a repeating seasonal savings reward per device type, applied as a credit after each program season! Seasonal rewards by device type include:

• Battery Storage Systems: $250

• Electric Vehicle Charger: $50

• Smart Thermostat: $50

• Load Controller: $50

  
  

At Oceanvolt Solar and EV, we can help ensure your smart energy systems, such as batteries and EV chargers, are optimized to work seamlessly with Peak Saver. Looking to find which batteries and EV charger manufacturers are included? Find out more on BC Hydro’s ‘Enroll Your Smart Home Devices in Peak Saver’ website page under eligible smart home device manufacturers.

What happens during a Peak Event and when do they happen?

Peak events can happen at any time of the day, but are most common during high demands on our system. Each event will last no more than four hours. After an event ends, your device will return to its normal operation.

You don't need to take any action during an event. Your enrolled device(s) will automatically respond to the signal sent to adjust their operation.

• EV chargers will stop charging or charge at a lower rate.

• Load controllers will safely shut off the water heater for the duration of the event.

• Mysa thermostats will set the temperature back by up to 3 degrees. Eco Sinopé users can set their own temperature setback preferences.

• Home batteries will discharge to power your home circuits. Your batteries will never discharge below 20% to ensure there is some energy left.

After the event, your devices will return to their normal operation and settings to recharge if required.

When do I get my reward?

If you’re eligible for an enrollment bonus, it will be applied to your next BC Hydro bill after your enrollment is processed.

If you're eligible for a seasonal reward, it will be applied to your BC Hydro bill at the end of the season.

Seasonal reward payouts take place during the following periods:

• Summer season payments: October to December

• Winter season payments: April to June

How do I know when peak events are taking place?

Most devices will have a "demand response" or "DR" indicator on their screen or in their app. You may receive a notification from your EV charger indicating that charging has been paused.

How do I opt out of a peak event?

You can opt out by simply adjusting the settings of your device. You’re always in control.

If you opt out of more than 50% of the events throughout the season, you may not be eligible for the seasonal reward.

Prepare Your Smart Energy Systems for the Winter Season

Speaking of winter, are your energy systems ready for the colder months? Visit our Storm Season Preparedness blog post for tips on keeping your power reliable during the winter months. It also covers how to keep your solar setup protected in Greater Victoria and the Gulf Islands.

Oceanvolt Solar and EV Approved

We’re big fans of any program that helps people save money, use energy smarter, and support a greener grid. Peak Saver does all three. By combining your smart energy systems with BC Hydro’s Peak Saver program, you can take full control of your home’s energy use and be part of the global clean energy movement. Earn savings by shifting energy with Peak Saver!

Give us a call today, and we’ll help you make sure your systems are fully optimized for this year's Peak Saver Winter Event!