BC Hydro is rolling out what it calls the biggest conservation investment in its history, with a new Power Smart plan aimed at helping people across the province save money and reduce electricity use.

The province says Power Smart 2.0 will invest more than $1 billion in new rebates, rewards, and energy-saving programs for households and businesses.

“British Columbians are feeling the pressure of global inflation, and they’re looking for practical ways to reduce costs,” said Premier David Eby.

“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.”

Among the biggest changes, free smart thermostats valued at about $350 will be offered starting this fall to households with electric baseboard heating.

Residential customers will also be able to earn up to $200 a year through new rewards programs, while income-qualified households could receive as much as $325 annually through expanded support measures.

BC Hydro is also promising instant rebates of between $10 and $200 on energy-efficient products at more than 300 stores across B.C., along with a new mobile app to help customers track electricity use and manage their accounts.

The province says an average customer in an electrically heated home who takes full advantage of the available programs could offset as much as one-third of their annual hydro bill, and in some cases, nearly half.

By 2030, Power Smart 2.0 is expected to deliver enough annual electricity savings to power 220-thousand homes, while avoiding or delaying more than $2 billion in infrastructure costs.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.