On Monday, November 4, 2024, a severe windstorm swept across British Columbia, leaving nearly 290,000 BC Hydro customers without power. Many households, including my family’s in North Vancouver, experienced hours-long outages, disrupting work, home routines, and safety. For us, the outage began just after 1 p.m. and continued until nearly 9 p.m.—a stark reminder of how weather-related disruptions can impact day-to-day life.

Tens of thousands of homes and businesses remained in the dark through the following day, most depicted in the Nov. 5, 2025 outages map featured with this article, courtesy of BC Hydro.

For perspective, the average outage in BC is typically around 44 minutes.

This recent storm was more than just an inconvenience; it highlighted vulnerabilities in our energy infrastructure. BC Hydro has already projected that demand on the grid will grow by 15% by 2030, fueled by the rise in home energy consumption, electric vehicle charging, and electrified heating solutions. To address these challenges, BC Hydro has implemented a subsidy program offering up to $5,000 for homeowners who install home battery systems, like the IONiX SmartWall, to support independent energy storage. By embracing these solutions, residents can form a decentralized “microgrid,” maintaining essential power during outages and reducing strain on the central grid.

The recent outages underscore the growing need for backup power solutions in Canada, especially as weather events intensify. Home energy storage systems are invaluable during extended power outages like this one. Not only do they provide immediate, reliable backup power, but they also allow families to continue with daily activities, safeguarding their comfort and safety. With the frequency and intensity of such storms likely to increase, having a dedicated energy reserve can ensure an uninterrupted, resilient home life, no matter the conditions.

In a recent statement, BC Hydro senior product manager, Paul Seo emphasized the importance of energy storage going forward, saying “We really want to incentivize our customers to add energy storage”.

Overall, BC Hydro’s energy storage incentive program aims to promote the adoption of clean energy solutions, reduce peak demand on the grid, and provide reliable backup power to its business customers.

When choosing a home backup energy solution, it’s important to consider factors such as battery capacity, compatibility, and longevity to ensure the system will meet your specific needs. Selecting the right backup energy system can make all the difference in securing your home and loved ones during unpredictable times.

Investing in solutions like the IONiX SmartWall now means embracing a future where power reliability is within reach, even as we face changing demands on our grid. Homeowners in BC can benefit both from BC Hydro’s support and the peace of mind that comes with a secure, sustainable backup system.