If you're moving to Vancouver, BC Hydro is the only electricity provider for most residential buildings in British Columbia. Unlike some cities where you can choose your provider, BC Hydro is government-owned and the only option for power in Vancouver.
You must set up your electricity account before moving in to avoid unexpected power interruptions. Some landlords include electricity in rent, so check before setting up an account.
How to Create a New BC Hydro Account
Make sure to set up your BC Hydro account before your move-in date so that everything’s running when you arrive.
Apply for BC Hydro
- Apply online: bchydro.com/moving
- Call: 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376)
What you need:
- Move-in and move-out dates
- New address
- Phone number for contact
- Landlord’s name and phone number (if renting)
There’s a $12.40 + GST fee for all new accounts or moves, which appears on your first BC Hydro bill. In some cases, a security deposit may be required.
Look for this information on your bill:
- Create a MyHydro profile, which will allow you to manage your BC Hydro account online.
- If you already use MyHydro and need to open an account for an additional (e.g. vacation or rental) property, you can do that with your existing profile by opening a new residential account. You’ll be able to manage all your accounts under your MyHydro profile.
- Log in and select ”Open a new residential account.”
- You’ll need your new address, phone number, and your landlord’s name and contact information (if you’re renting).
- Note that a charge of $12.40 + GST for new accounts will appear on your first BC Hydro bill. Some accounts may also require a security deposit.
Link Your Account
Before you can complete your move, you must link a BC Hydro account to your profile. You’ll need details from two recent BC Hydro bills to verify your account.
- Create a MyHydro Profile to manage your BC Hydro account online.
- If you already use MyHydro, you can add a new residential account under the same profile.
- Log in and select "Open a new residential account."
- Enter your new address, phone number, and your landlord’s details (if renting).
How Much is the Average Hydro Bill in BC?
Electricity costs in Vancouver depend on usage. The average hydro bill in BC varies by apartment size:
- 1-bedroom apartment: $50 - $80 per month
- 2-bedroom apartment: $80 - $120 per month
- 3-bedroom apartment: $120 - $180 per month
Rates are as follows:
- First 1,372 kWh per month: ~$0.099 per kWh
- Beyond 1,372 kWh: ~$0.149 per kWh
Factors like heating, air conditioning, and appliances affect your monthly bill. Energy usage also fluctuates depending on the season, with higher costs in winter due to heating and in summer if air conditioning is used. To estimate your costs more accurately, BC Hydro provides an online calculator where you can input your household size and usage habits.
Do I Need to Set Up Water Utilities Separately?
No. Water utilities in Vancouver are handled by the City of Vancouver, and if you’re renting, they’re usually included in rent. Homeowners receive a separate water bill with their property tax statement.
Can I Choose Another Electricity Provider?
No, BC Hydro is the only electricity provider for residential properties in Vancouver.
Does BC Hydro Include Water?
No, BC Hydro only provides electricity. Water services in Vancouver are billed separately by the city.
- If you rent: Water is often included in rent, but check your lease.
- If you own: You’ll receive a separate water bill for water, sewer, and garbage services.
What is Buntzen Lake BC Hydro?
Buntzen Lake is a BC Hydro-operated reservoir and a popular recreation area near Vancouver. It supplies power to the province and offers hiking, swimming, and kayaking. BC Hydro maintains the area, including its dam and hydroelectric infrastructure.
BC Hydro Planned Outages and Outages
BC Hydro occasionally schedules planned outages for maintenance and upgrades. You can check for upcoming planned outages on the BC Hydro website. If you experience an unexpected power outage, visit the BC Hydro Outage Map to see real-time updates and estimated restoration times.
BC Hydro Power Outage Estimated Time
When a power outage occurs, BC Hydro provides an estimated time for restoration. This can vary depending on the cause of the outage, weather conditions, and the location. Check the BC Hydro Outage Map for the latest updates on your area.
BC Hydro Login and Account Access
Managing your electricity usage is easy with MyHydro, BC Hydro’s online portal. Log in at bchydro.com to view bills, set up autopay, track energy usage, and manage multiple accounts.
BC Hydro Careers
Interested in working for BC Hydro? The company offers a variety of career opportunities, from engineering to customer service roles. You can explore open positions and apply on the BC Hydro Careers page.
FortisBC and BC Hydro: What’s the Difference?
While BC Hydro provides electricity, FortisBC is responsible for natural gas services in British Columbia. If you need gas for heating or appliances, you'll need to set up an account with FortisBC separately from BC Hydro.
BC Hydro Rebates and Energy Savings Programs
BC Hydro offers various rebate programs to help residents lower their energy costs. Some common programs include:
- Smart Thermostat Rebates: Get a rebate on select smart thermostats to reduce heating and cooling costs.
- Energy-Efficient Appliance Rebates: Save on new energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines.
- Home Energy Reports: Personalized reports help track and manage energy consumption.
- Peak Hour Savings: Reduce usage during peak hours to lower overall electricity costs.
For more details, visit the BC Hydro website to check eligibility and application deadlines.
How to Lower Your Hydro Bill
Reducing your hydro bill can save you money every month. Here are some tips:
- Use LED bulbs instead of incandescent lights.
- Unplug electronics when not in use to avoid phantom power consumption.
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize heating and cooling.
- Use energy-efficient appliances to lower electricity consumption.
- Take advantage of BC Hydro rebate programs for upgrades.
- Consider running heavy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak hours to reduce costs.
- Insulate windows and doors to prevent heat loss in winter and keep cool air inside in summer.
References
The information in this guide is sourced from the following:
- BC Hydro Official Website
- City of Vancouver Utilities
- FortisBC Official Website
- BC Hydro Outage Map
- Various consumer reports and average hydro bill estimations for BC residents
Next steps
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