For a limited time, BC Hydro is doubling the Team Power Smart Reduction Challenge reward to $100 for eligible residential customers and, for the first time, tripling it to $150 for income-qualified customers who reduce their electricity use by 10 per cent. 

The $150 bill credit is BC Hydro's first-ever triple reward through the challenge and the largest offered to income-qualified customers. 

 Customers who complete the challenge can save twice: through lower electricity usage and an additional $100 or $150 bill credit. For a typical single-family home, reducing electricity use by 10 per cent could save approximately $128 a year. 

Combined with the limited-time $100 reward, that could mean total savings of approximately $228.  For income-qualified customers living in a typical apartment, the $150 reward combined with approximately $40 in electricity savings could represent nearly half of their annual electricity costs. Depending on household size and energy use, total savings for income-qualified customers could reach approximately $278.

 The enhanced rewards build on three years of strong participation. Nearly 260,000 BC Hydro customers have taken the Team Power Smart Reduction Challenge, collectively saving 18.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and earning millions of dollars in rewards.

 “We know people are looking for ways to keep their electricity costs down, and this is one more way we can help,” said Jill Dickau, BC Hydro spokesperson. “For a limited time, customers who cut their electricity use by 10 per cent can earn $100, while income-qualified customers can earn $150, our first-ever triple reward. And because they’re using less electricity along the way, they’ll save on their bills too.”

 How the Team Power Smart Reduction Challenge works

Eligible customers have 12 months to reduce their electricity use by 10 per cent compared with the previous year.

For a limited time, customers who successfully complete the challenge will receive:

• Eligible residential customers: a $100 bill credit, double the standard $50 reward.
• Income-qualified customers: a $150 bill credit, triple the standard reward and the largest offered through the challenge to income-qualified customers.

Small changes can lead to big savings

Reaching the 10 per cent target doesn't have to mean making major changes at home. Small changes to everyday routines can add up over the year.

BC Hydro recommends:

• Turn down the heat and use a smart thermostat to automatically lower heating when asleep or away.
• Use smaller cooking appliances, such as an air fryer, microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker, instead of the oven when possible. Customers can also save on the purchase of qualifying air fryers and other energy-efficient appliances through BC Hydro rebates.
• Seal drafts around windows and doors to keep warm air inside.
• Switch to LED lighting, which uses up to 75 per cent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Choose ENERGY STAR® certified appliances and take advantage of available rebates. 
• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators to reduce hot water use.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.

More ways to save with Team Power Smart

The Reduction Challenge is one of the benefits available to Team Power Smart members. Members can also access contests, offers, events, expert advice and energy-saving tips to help lower electricity costs, as well as special experiences including Team Power Smart Members' Day at Science World and Vancouver Rise FC matches.