# Source note: BC Hydro solar/net metering rate change TikTok source-check

Date captured: 2026-07-06  
Original user URL: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSCnuerkj/  
Resolved TikTok URL: https://www.tiktok.com/@chekmedia/video/7655379861984562440?_r=1&_t=ZS-97oDPJUqIH1  
TikTok account: @7256873896182465542 / chekmedia  
TikTok title/description: If you’re one of the thousands of British Columbians who purchased solar panels to cut down on your hydro bill, chances are you’re not thrilled about changes coming next week. BC Hydro is tweaking an incentive program that will result in less money in the pockets of solar panel owners. If you’re on the old system, you’re grandfathered or protected for 10 years from when you started, but after that BC Hydro will give you 10 cents per kilowatt hour. That’s instead of the current setup where you get a free kilowatt of power later in return for every excess kilowatt your panels send to the grid. #bchydro #electricity#solar#solarpower#nanaimo#victoria #vancouverisland #vancouver #britishcolumbia #canada_life🇨🇦 #canada🇨🇦 #canada #news #localnews #CHEKNews

## Lead captured

The supplied TikTok is a CHEK News clip posted by @chekmedia. The video report says BC Hydro is changing the net metering/self-generation structure for solar customers, with existing net-metering customers protected for 10 years from their start date and later moved to a 10 cents per kWh export-credit structure.

Local capture files preserved in this research folder:

- `tiktok-metadata.json`
- `tiktok-transcript.txt`
- `tiktok-ffprobe.txt`
- `tiktok-resolve-headers.txt`
- source-card image: `/assets/images/bc-news/bc-hydro-solar-net-metering-chek-contact-sheet.jpg`

## Key transcript excerpts

- The report states BC Hydro is ending/changing the old net metering program with a new self-generation rate structure starting July 1, 2026.
- It says existing customers are protected for 10 years from their initial net-metering start date.
- It says after the transition BC Hydro will pay/credit 10 cents per kWh for exported electricity.
- Interview subject Bill Collette describes the change as "pre-planned theft"; NewsForBC treats that as an attributed opinion, not a proven legal finding.

## Independent verification

1. BC Hydro official self-generation page: https://app.bchydro.com/accounts-billing/electrical-connections/customer-generation/self-generation.html
   - Confirms BC Hydro is closing Rate Schedule 1289 to new customers.
   - Confirms Rate Schedule 2289 applies effective July 1, 2026.
   - Confirms current Rate Schedule 1289 customers have 10 years from their initial start date before automatic transfer.
   - Confirms excess electricity is compensated at a fixed 10 cents per kWh under the self-generation service.

2. BCUC proceeding page: https://www.bcuc.com/OurWork/ViewProceeding?applicationid=1323
   - Proceeding title: BC Hydro Net Metering Service Rates.
   - Status: Completed: 2026.
   - Description: BC Hydro seeks BCUC approval of proposed net metering service rates.
   - Final order listed: G-64-26, Final Order March 24, 2026.
   - PDF URL listed by BCUC: https://docs.bcuc.com/documents/orders/2026/doc_86639_g-64-26-bch-net-metering-service-rates-final.pdf

## Evidence labels

- Confirmed: BC Hydro page confirms July 1, 2026; Rate Schedule 1289 closure; Rate Schedule 2289; 10-year transition; 10 cents/kWh export credit.
- Confirmed: BCUC proceeding page lists the 2026 BC Hydro Net Metering Service Rates proceeding and final order G-64-26 dated March 24, 2026.
- Reported/attributed: CHEK News report describes customer upset and quotes Bill Collette in Port Alberni.
- Not proven by NewsForBC: the claim that the change is "theft". NewsForBC frames it as an accountability question about fairness, expectations and solar payback calculations.