Wells local business named BC Hydro’s Clean Energy Champion
Published 12:36 pm Friday, February 6, 2026
After nearly 30 years in business, Frog on the Bog gift shop is being recognized for its groundbreaking adoption of clean energy.
On Friday, Feb. 6, the company was named a BC Hydro Clean Energy Champion for becoming the first small business in the province to install a small-scale battery backup system while being in one of B.C.’s most remote towns.
Owned by Dave Jorgenson and his wife Cheryl McCarthy, Frog on the Bog tested a commercial scale battery designed for small enterprises. The system powers both the shop and the Willow River Inn, which is adjacent to the business. The venture was in partnership with BC Hydro.
The community, comprising 220 full-time residents, is known for heavy snowfall, frequent power outages and long distances between services.
“Living in Wells teaches you resilience,” said Dave. “Clean energy gives us reliability, reduces our use of carbon-fueled generators, and shows visitors that even a tiny northern town can lead on sustainability.”
The business is also being recognized for its use of cold-climate heat pumps. The system is considered a model for rural businesses facing harsh weather and aging infrastructure, even working in conditions below -20 C.
“By installing a mini‑split heat pump in a minimally insulated, three-storey heritage building, Frog on the Bog demonstrated that clean is both possible and practical in the Cariboo Mountains. The installation has since inspired numerous Wells residents to switch to heat pumps themselves,” reads a BC Hydro press release.
It has also helped inspire the residents of the small town, with the help of BC Hydro to upgrade insulation, seal drafts, replace old appliances and upgrade to LED lighting. All of this reduces strain on the town’s single phase line.
“Frog on the Bog has always been a cornerstone of the Wells experience – from its colourful building to the shelves filled with locally made goods,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “Being recognized as a Clean Energy Champion shows that sustainability isn’t just for big cities; it can thrive in even the smallest communities.”
Additionally, Frog on the Bog helped install a BC Hydro 100-kilowatt fast charger to the neighbouring Jack O Clubs pub, enabling Barkerville visitors, Bowron Lake paddlers, and summer tourists to charge their vehicles while exploring the region.
“Battery storage adoption is on the rise across the province, including in Sun Peaks and Mission where BC Hydro is leading an innovative new Peak Saver project under its Power Smart portfolio to transform homes into virtual power plants, offering uninterrupted power to customers while strengthening the flexibility of the electricity grid,” reads the release.
