NorthX Climate Tech and BC Hydro are partnering to offer $5 million in non-dilutive funding to Canadian companies developing technologies that can help manage electricity demand across B.C.'s growing grid.

The Call for Innovation: Capacity & Energy Solutions will prioritize behind-the-meter solutions deployable at industrial sites, buildings, and fleets. Eligible technologies include demand response and flexible loads, energy storage, distributed energy resources, vehicle-to-grid charging, and power electronics. Individual investments will typically range from $250,000 to $1.5 million, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs.

The program reflects a growing challenge for B.C.'s electricity system. As industry expands and more transportation, buildings, and industrial processes shift to electricity, managing when and how power is used becomes as important as building new supply. BC Hydro has set targets of 2,200 GWh in energy savings and 800 MW in capacity savings as part of its Power Smart 2.0 and Powering Growth plans.

"Canada has the talent and technologies to address these challenges, but getting from a promising technology to commercial deployment takes more than capital," said Sarah Goodman, CEO of NorthX. "It takes opportunities to test, validate and build with real market partners."

Beyond funding, selected companies may have opportunities to pilot their technologies with BC Hydro directly — giving innovators real-world validation and giving the utility earlier access to emerging solutions.

"Through this partnership with NorthX, we're supporting Canadian innovators developing technologies that can help customers save money, shift electricity use to when it's needed most and unlock more capacity from the system we have today," said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro.

The first application window closes October 30, 2026, with funding decisions expected by end of January 2027.