Guide to Setting Up Your BC Hydro Account (2026)
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is BC Hydro?
BC Hydro is British Columbia's primary electricity provider, serving approximately 95% of the province's population. If you're a newcomer moving to BC — whether to Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or most other communities — BC Hydro will be your electricity company. Understanding how to set up your account is one of the essential tasks when settling into your new home.
Unlike some countries where there are multiple electricity providers to choose from, BC Hydro is a Crown corporation (owned by the provincial government), and in most areas, it's your only option for electrical service. The good news is that BC has some of the lowest electricity rates in North America, thanks to the province's abundant hydroelectric power.
When Do You Need to Set Up a BC Hydro Account?
You need to set up a BC Hydro account whenever you:
- Move into a new rental apartment or house — even if electricity was already connected, you need to transfer the account to your name
- Purchase a home — the account needs to be switched from the previous owner
- Move from one address to another within BC — you'll need to transfer your service
Important note for newcomers: In some rental situations, electricity may be included in your rent. Check your lease agreement carefully. If it says electricity is included, you do not need to set up a separate BC Hydro account. However, in most houses and many apartments, you are responsible for your own electricity account.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your BC Hydro Account
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start the setup process, have the following information ready:
- Your new address — the full address where you need electricity service
- Move-in date — the date you want electricity service to start
- Personal identification — your full legal name, date of birth, and a piece of government-issued ID
- Contact information — phone number and email address
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) — BC Hydro may ask for this to verify your identity and run a credit check
- Previous BC Hydro account number — if you had one before (not applicable for newcomers)
Newcomer tip: If you don't have a SIN yet or have limited credit history in Canada, don't worry. BC Hydro has processes for new customers without Canadian credit history. You may be asked to provide a security deposit instead.
Step 2: Start Your Account Setup
You have three ways to set up your account:
Online (recommended): Visit bchydro.com and click on "Start, Stop, or Move" service. This is the fastest and most convenient method. The online system is available 24/7 and walks you through the process step by step.
By phone: Call BC Hydro at 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376). Phone agents are available Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Pacific Time).
In person: While BC Hydro has reduced its in-person service locations, you can visit certain Service BC locations for assistance. Check the BC Hydro website for current service locations.
Step 3: Identity Verification and Credit Check
BC Hydro will verify your identity and may conduct a credit check to determine whether you need to pay a security deposit. This is standard practice and should not be a concern.
For newcomers to Canada, the credit check may not return any results since you likely don't have a Canadian credit history yet. In this case, BC Hydro will typically require a security deposit.
Step 4: Security Deposit (If Required)
If a security deposit is required, it is typically equivalent to approximately two months of estimated electricity charges for your home. This usually ranges from:
- Apartment: $100-$250
- Small house: $200-$400
- Large house with electric heating: $400-$800
The deposit is refundable. After you've maintained your account in good standing for 12-24 months (paying bills on time), BC Hydro will return the deposit to you, usually as a credit on your account. You also earn interest on your deposit.
You can pay the deposit by credit card, debit, cheque, or through online banking. BC Hydro may also allow you to pay the deposit in installments.
Step 5: Set Up Your Online Account (MyHydro)
Once your account is created, set up your online MyHydro account at bchydro.com. This allows you to:
- View and pay your bills online
- Track your electricity usage in real-time
- Set up automatic payments (pre-authorized payments)
- Sign up for paperless billing
- Receive outage notifications for your area
- Access energy-saving tips and programs
Understanding Your BC Hydro Bill
BC Hydro bills are sent every two months (bi-monthly). Your bill will show:
- Basic charge: A fixed daily charge (approximately $0.21/day as of 2026) that covers the cost of delivering electricity to your home
- Energy charge (Step 1): A lower rate for the first 1,350 kWh of electricity used per billing period (approximately $0.10/kWh)
- Energy charge (Step 2): A higher rate for any electricity used above 1,350 kWh (approximately $0.16/kWh)
- GST: 5% federal Goods and Services Tax
The two-step rate structure encourages conservation. For most apartments and energy-efficient homes, you'll stay within Step 1 for most of the year.
Newcomer tip: If you come from a country where electricity is very expensive or unreliable, you'll appreciate that BC has some of the most affordable and reliable electricity in the world. However, costs can add up quickly in winter if you have electric heating, so monitor your usage.
Payment Options
BC Hydro offers several convenient ways to pay your bill:
- Pre-authorized payments: Automatic withdrawals from your bank account — set it and forget it
- Online banking: Pay through your bank's online bill payment system (BC Hydro is listed as a payee at all major banks)
- Credit card: Pay through MyHydro using Visa or Mastercard
- Equal Payment Plan: Spread your annual costs evenly across 12 months, so you pay the same amount each month instead of higher bills in winter
- In person: Pay at most banks, credit unions, or Canada Post locations
The Equal Payment Plan is particularly helpful for newcomers because it makes your electricity costs predictable. Instead of getting a surprise $300 bill in January and a $50 bill in July, you pay the same amount every month.
Energy-Saving Tips for Newcomers
Reducing your electricity consumption saves money and is good for the environment. Here are practical tips:
- Use LED light bulbs: They use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs. BC Hydro sometimes offers rebates on LED bulbs.
- Adjust your thermostat: If you have electric heating, lowering your thermostat by just 2°C when you're sleeping or away can save significant money.
- Use cold water for laundry: Modern detergents work well in cold water, and heating water accounts for a large portion of laundry energy use.
- Unplug devices when not in use: Many electronics draw power even when turned off (called "phantom load").
- Take advantage of BC Hydro rebates: BC Hydro offers rebates on energy-efficient appliances, insulation upgrades, and more. Check bchydro.com/powersmart for current offers.
What to Do During a Power Outage
Power outages happen occasionally in BC, particularly during winter storms. Here's what you should know:
- Check BC Hydro's outage map at bchydro.com/power-outages to see if there's a known outage in your area
- Report an outage by calling 1-800-BCHYDRO or through the MyHydro app
- Keep flashlights and batteries on hand (don't use candles as they're a fire hazard)
- Don't open your fridge or freezer unnecessarily — food will stay cold for hours if the door stays closed
- If you have electric heating and it's very cold, go to a warming centre (the City will announce locations during extreme events)
Low-Income Assistance Programs
If you're struggling to pay your electricity bills, BC Hydro offers assistance programs including the Customer Crisis Fund and bill payment arrangements. If you qualify as low-income, you may also be eligible for the BC Hydro Low-Income Rate (see our separate guide on that topic). Don't hesitate to call BC Hydro if you're having financial difficulties — they are willing to work with customers to find solutions.
Additional Resources
- BC Hydro website: bchydro.com
- Start/Stop/Move service: bchydro.com/accounts/moving.html
- Customer service: 1-800-224-9376
- Power outage map: bchydro.com/power-outages
- Energy-saving rebates: bchydro.com/powersmart
Setting up your BC Hydro account is one of the first practical steps in making your new Canadian home comfortable and functional. By understanding the process, setting up online tools, and taking advantage of available programs, you'll have a smooth experience managing your electricity. WelcomeAide is here to guide you through every step of settling into life in British Columbia.
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