New rate options are coming for BC Hydro customers this spring.

The BC Utilities Commission has approved BC Hydro’s application to expand its rate options for residential customers, offering more billing choices.

An optional flat rate will be available to all residential customers, which provides them with a single charge as their electricity use increases by switching to clean electricity alternatives. That could mean savings of about $60 annually.

BC Hydro serves 14 Non-Integrated Area communities across B.C., primarily First Nations communities who have historically paid more for their electricity service because they are off-grid and served by higher cost diesel generators.

To support equity and reconciliation, and with the advancement of clean electricity solutions in these communities, the Utilities Commission has also approved BC Hydro eliminating higher rates for residents living in those areas.

That would help to reduce their bills by up to an average of $160 per year.

The changes, in effect April 1st, build on the optional time-of-day pricing which was launched in June of last year.

To see the full release, visit BC Hydro.