The focus of the BCSEA has always been, and will continue to be, advancing sustainable energy solutions across British Columbia. Today, that mission is being tested and reshaped by a significant policy shift: the transition from net metering to net billing. While change can create uncertainty, it also provides an opportunity to reassess how we build, store, and value energy in our province.

For many years, net metering provided a simple and effective framework. Customers who generated excess solar energy could export it to the grid and receive credits at the same retail rate they paid for electricity. This structure supported strong adoption of solar across residential and commercial sectors. However, as of July 1, 2026, British Columbia will move to a net billing model, where exported energy is compensated at a fixed rate of $0.10 per kilowatt-hour, significantly lower than retail electricity rates.

This shift fundamentally changes how solar energy systems are designed and valued. Under net billing, the emphasis moves away from exporting excess energy and toward maximizing on-site consumption. In practical terms, this means that the most valuable kilowatt-hour is the one used directly by the customer, not the one sent back to the grid. As a result, technologies such as battery storage, load management, and energy efficiency upgrades are becoming increasingly important components of a complete energy solution.

While some customers have expressed concern about the reduced value of exported energy, it is important to recognize that solar remains a strong long-term investment. System costs have continued to decline, and incentives such as the $5,000 BC Hydro rebate for solar and an additional $5,000 for battery storage help offset upfront costs. When combined with rising utility rates and advancements in energy storage, the overall economics of solar and battery systems remain compelling.

At a broader level, this transition reflects a maturing energy landscape. Utilities are adapting to increased distributed generation, and policy is evolving to balance grid stability, cost fairness, and continued adoption of clean energy. It is not a perfect system, and there is ongoing work to ensure that policies support both existing and future customers in a fair and transparent way.

As an industry, our role is to guide this transition responsibly. That means educating clients, advocating for practical and equitable policy, and continuing to innovate in how we design and deliver energy systems. It also means listening carefully to the concerns of those affected and ensuring their voices are part of the conversation moving forward.

The path ahead will look different than it did under net metering, but the destination remains the same: a more resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant energy future for British Columbia.