Quick answer
On BC Hydro's 2026 residential rates, each kilowatt-hour costs 11.87¢ in Step 1 and 14.08¢ in Step 2, plus 5% GST. A 1,400 W space heater running 4 hours a day uses about 168 kWh a month, which is roughly $21 to $25. To work out any appliance, multiply its watts by the hours it runs, divide by 1,000, and multiply by the rate.
The calculator above does that for you and gives a range. The low number assumes the extra power is billed at the Step 1 price and the high number at Step 2. In winter, most homes that heat with electricity are already into Step 2, so the high number is the more realistic one.
BC Hydro rates used (2026)
| Charge | Tiered rate (most homes) | Flat rate option |
|---|---|---|
| Basic charge | 23.44¢ a day | 25.00¢ a day |
| Energy | 11.87¢ per kWh (Step 1), 14.08¢ per kWh (Step 2) | 12.70¢ per kWh |
These rates took effect April 1, 2026. Residential electricity is charged 5% GST and is exempt from PST. The calculator leaves out the daily basic charge, because you pay it whether the appliance runs or not.
Where Step 2 starts
On the tiered rate, the first 675 kWh a month (1,350 kWh over a two-month bill) are billed at the Step 1 price. Everything above that is Step 2. BC Hydro pro-rates it by day, about 22.19 kWh for each day in your billing period. Our BC Hydro bill guide explains how to read the steps on your bill.
What common things cost to run
A month is 30 days, and the costs include GST.
| Appliance | Example use | Power a month | Cost a month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater (1,400 W) | 4 hours a day | 168 kWh | $20.94 to $24.84 |
| Portable air conditioner (1.2 kW) | 8 hours a day | 288 kWh | $35.89 to $42.58 |
| EV, Level 2 charger (6.6 kW) | 2 hours a day | 396 kWh | $49.36 to $58.54 |
| EV, regular outlet (1.5 kW) | 8 hours a day | 360 kWh | $44.87 to $53.22 |
| Electric hot water tank (3,000 W element) | 3 hours heating a day | 270 kWh | $33.65 to $39.92 |
| Inflatable holiday decoration (85 W) | On all day | 61 kWh | $7.63 to $9.05 |
| Fridge (BC average) | Always on | 41 kWh | $5.12 to $6.07 |
| Dishwasher | One load a day | 37 kWh | $4.60 to $5.46 |
Wattages come from BC Hydro and Natural Resources Canada. Your own appliance may use more or less, so check the label (it's usually on the back or bottom and lists watts, or amps and volts).
Safety: BC Hydro says to plug a space heater directly into an outlet, not an extension cable, set it on a level, hard floor, and keep it away from liquids, blankets and drapes.
How to cut the cost
- Heat the room, not the house. A space heater only saves money if you turn the main heat down at the same time.
- Charge an EV overnight. On BC Hydro's optional time-of-day add-on, power used from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. is 5¢ per kWh cheaper, and power used from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. costs 5¢ more.
- Put inflatables and lights on a timer. An 85 W inflatable left on all day uses three times the power of one on for 8 hours.
- Look at the rebates. A heat pump can cut heating costs. See our heat pump rebate guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a space heater in BC?
A 1,400 W heater costs about 17¢ to 21¢ an hour on 2026 BC Hydro rates with GST. At 4 hours a day, that's roughly $21 to $25 a month.
How much does it cost to charge an EV at home in BC?
An EV uses about 18 kWh per 100 km, so 100 km costs about $2.24 to $2.66 at 2026 rates with GST, and less on the time-of-day add-on if you charge overnight.
What is BC Hydro's rate per kWh in 2026?
On the tiered rate, 11.87¢ for Step 1 and 14.08¢ for Step 2. On the flat rate option, 12.70¢. The basic charge is 23.44¢ a day on the tiered rate and 25.00¢ on the flat rate.
What is the BC Hydro Step 2 threshold?
675 kWh a month, or 1,350 kWh on a two-month bill, pro-rated at about 22.19 kWh a day. Anything above that is billed at the Step 2 price.
Why doesn't my bill match the calculator?
Your bill also has the daily basic charge, a rate rider, and in Metro Vancouver a small regional transit levy. It also covers everything in your home, not just one appliance.
Official sources
- BC Hydro: Tiered rate
- BC Hydro: Flat rate option
- BC Hydro: Time-of-day rate
- BC Hydro: Space heaters
- BC Hydro: Home EV charger options
- BC Hydro: Air conditioning options
- Province of BC: PST and energy (Bulletin PST 203)
An estimate for general information, not financial advice. Rates change, so check the official sources above before you rely on a number. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.