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By Liam Verster

3.75% Increases in '25, '26

B.C. Hydro rate increases to be kept below inflation

Mar 17, 2025 | 12:23 PM

The province will take action to ensure British Columbians have access to affordable power.

The province stated that, as B.C. and Canada face threats from U.S. tariffs, B.C. Hydro’s electricity rates will be kept relatively stable by keeping the rate increases below cumulative inflation.

“We must take urgent action to protect British Columbians from the uncertainty posed by rising costs while building a strong, robust and resilient electricity system for the benefit of B.C.’s long-term energy independence,” Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix said.

“That is why we are submitting a rate stability direction to the B.C. Utilities Commission to set B.C. Hydro’s rate increases for the next two years. This move guarantees certainty and reaffirms our commitment to keeping electricity rates well below the North American average and cumulative inflation, while growing our clean-energy advantage.”

The action by the province will ensure the utility provider’s annual average rate increase be kept at 3.75 per cent for the next two years.

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The province said keeping the rate increases low will ensure that B.C. Hydro “builds the critical local and provincial renewable energy infrastructure and supply needed to bolster B.C.’s economy,” while also ensuring British Columbians continue to pay one of the lowest electricity cost in North America. It added that, since 2017-18 and through to 2026-27, the cumulative rate increases for power in B.C. would be 12.4 per cent below cumulative inflation over that period.

“The rate stability direction from the province will provide customers and growing industries with the certainty they need during these times, while ensuring our rates remain affordable,” Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, B.C. Hydro, said.

“The rate adjustment will go toward supporting critical investments in our system that will ensure we maintain our status as a leader in renewable energy, encouraging overall economic growth and job creation.”

B.C. Hydro filed the two-year rate adjustment publicly with the B.C. Utilities Commission, along with supportive information.

The rate increases will take effect April 1, 2025, and April 1, 2026.