B.C. released more information on Monday (July 6) about a new program to provide free smart thermostats to BC Hydro customers with electric baseboard heaters.
“In order to offer this program, we need the technology,” Energy and Climate Solutions Minister Adrian Dix said. “I’m happy to announce BC Hydro is signing agreements with two great Canadian vendors to provide that technology”
Homeowners will be able to order up to five new Mysa or Sinopé thermostats through those companies’ websites when the program opens for orders in October. Shipping will be free, and the devices will come pre-enrolled in BC Hydro’s Peak Saver program, which offers income-tested rebates of $50 or $100 in exchange for reducing electricity use during peak hours.
Each thermostat is valued at about $350, and is being paid for as part of a $1-billion three-year investment in energy efficiency by BC Hydro.
This plan, called PowerSmart 2.0, aims to save 2,200 gigawatt-hours of annual electricity usage, roughly equal to what is used by 220,000 homes. It is part of a broader effort to deal with growing power demand that includes adding capacity to the grid by optimizing current infrastructure and building new clean energy projects
“Today we’re focused on energy conservation, one of those pillars,” Dix said. “It’s the easiest, the fastest, the most cost-effective way to meet growing demand for power.”
Homeowners with electric baseboard heaters can now visit BC Hydro’s website to learn more about eligibility and receive notification when the free smart thermostats are available in the fall.