New billing method comes into effect
Effective May 1, 2024, our public EV chargers use energy-based billing ($ per kWh) instead of time-based billing ($ per minute). The costs to charge at BC Hydro chargers are:
| Type of charge | Price (before tax) |
|---|---|
| Level 2 charging | $0.2865 per kWh |
| Fast charging (labelled 25 kW or higher) |
$0.3479 per kWh |
| Idle fee | $0.40 per minute |
Charging rates are based on the labelled maximum kW output of the charger, not on actual kW output received or requested by the vehicle. These rates are approved by the B.C. Utilities Commission.
We made the change in response to customer feedback and industry best practice. Under time-based billing, the cost to charge at a public charger could vary due to vehicle and battery size, the beginning and ending state of charge (i.e. battery percentages), and the temperature. Switching to energy-based billing ($ per kWh) removes these variables.
Authorization from Measurement Canada
Our public chargers are temporarily authorized to be used for the purpose of obtaining the basis of a charge for electricity under terms and conditions established by Measurement Canada.