B.C.’s future powered by clean energy (2024)

News Release

Richmond

Thursday, June 27, 2024 10:14 AM

What people are saying about Powering Our Future: B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy

George Heyman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy –

“Through our work with First Nations, utilitiesand the people of British Columbia, our strategy will provide clean energy that communities are eager to use. Projects like the call for power, BC Hydro’s expanded capital planand the B.C. Hydrogen Strategy create new and expanding job opportunities. By working together, we will reduce emissions and protect the environment while realizing our vision for a province powered by made-in-B.C. clean energy.”

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Developmentand Innovation –

“Taken together, BC Hydro’s call for power and its 10-year capital plan will generate nearly $40 billion for the B.C. economy and support, on average, between 11,300 and 14,000 jobs annually. The Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future lays out the importance of a clean economy in action, and this is just one example of how powering our future with clean energy will also power new jobs and opportunities for people, businesses, communities and First Nations throughout our province.”

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing –

“We’re committed to delivering affordable homes for people living and working in British Columbia. The changes BC Hydro is making to streamline new connections to the grid, and the work it is doing with local governments to explore ways to improve timelines on building infrastructure, will speed up housing developments and help people get into homes faster.“

Chris O’Riley, president and CEO,BC Hydro –

“At BC Hydro, we have a critical role in supporting the clean-energy transition in B.C., and we know that investing in our system today puts us on the path of meeting tomorrow’s needs. That’s why we’re taking a series of decisive actions to source the clean electricity needed, build out our infrastructure to meet future demand, and invest in electricity efficiency to provide our customers with more choice and flexibility through new programs, tools and incentives that will help them save energy and money.”

Cody Gatzke, business manager and financial secretary, Local 258 IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) –

“With B.C. forecasting a 15% increase in electricity demand by 2030, the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation has unveiled an ambitious clean-energy strategy. Amid skilled labour shortages, we are committed to assisting both BC Hydro and the private sector by supplying and training skilled workers. Local 258 IBEW fully supports small-scale community projects that eliminate diesel generation and create meaningful opportunities for local communities.”

Michael Goehring, president and CEO, Mining Association of BC –

“B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy is a step in the right direction with its focus on working with industry to develop a new approach to plan and build urgently needed transmission infrastructure to connect new industrial loads like critical mineral mines to the electricity grid. The development of 17 critical mineral projects, $36 billion in new investment, and tens of thousands of jobs depend on BC Hydro’s ability to deliver timely and reliable transmission infrastructure and clean, competitively priced electricity that is there when it’s needed. We look forward to working together with government and BC Hydro to execute this strategy and unlock our critical minerals potential for the people and prosperity of British Columbia.”

Tom Hackney, policy adviser, BC Sustainable Energy Association –

“The BC Sustainable Energy Association strongly supports the vision of Powering Our Future and its practical approach to achieving a low-carbon energy system in B.C. Powering Our Future responsibly addresses the need of future generations for climate mitigation, while recognizing the current need for an orderly, cost-effective energy transition and reconciliation with Aboriginal Peoples.”

Mike Hurley, mayor,Burnaby –

“In Burnaby and other communities all over British Columbia, we seek to be leaders in the transition away from carbon-intensive energy. The Province’s clean-energy plan, together with BC Hydro solar rebates, energy-efficiency programs, adoption of alternative low-carbon energy, higher municipal standards for buildingsand actions to speed up new customer connections, are essential steps on our shared journey to a more sustainable future.”

Graeme Hutchison, president, MoveUP (The Movement of United Professionals) –

“ECABC supports the Province’s climate-action strategy, led by a strong focus on increased electrification of our homes, infrastructure, industrial facilities and transportation network. There is a tremendous amount of construction to be done between now and 2050 to achieve our climate goalsand BC Hydro’s $36-billion capital plan is a strong first step. ECABC looks forward to continuing to work with the provincial government to ensure the construction sector has the skilled workers and supports necessary to successfully deliver B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy.”

Chris Palliser, community manager, Shift –

“We, as residents of B.C. and a climate solution-focused business in B.C., applaud this incredible announcement from BC Hydro. They are standing by their word in the fight against climate change, their goals of grid reliability, and keeping energy costs low for residents of B.C. When you combine these new rebates with the current Greener Homes 0% interest loan program, going solar in B.C. continues to be more affordable and accessible than ever. We at Shift look forward to doing our part, to help create a more resilient grid for this province.”

Ferio Pugliese,senior vice-president, Parkland –

“Parkland servestheessential needsof British Columbians every day, providing our customers with the essential fuels they depend on. We are innovators and leaders, creating low-carbon fuels at our Burnaby refinery and operating one of the province’s largest ultra-fast EV charging networks. We are pleased to see the government’s announcement on the Clean Energy Strategy and the vital role biofuels will play in decarbonizing transportation.”

Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia –

“By prioritizing collaborative initiatives with First Nations and industry, B.C. is paving the way for a future where clean-energy innovation drives economic growth and environmental stewardship. Investments in renewable-energy projects not only enhance our competitive edge but also ensure long-term sustainability, positioning B.C. as a leader in the global clean energy transition. The new Powering Our Futureclean-energy plan is an encouraging next step in bolstering B.C.’s status as a clean-energy superpower, leveraging the decreasing cost of renewables to create a competitive clean economy founded on good jobs, meaningful reconciliation, and affordable renewable electricity.”

Chris Severson-Baker, executive director, Pembina Institute –

“B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy presents a hopeful and practical vision for the province's energy future with elements that support clean-economy growth. We are pleased to see the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions and guidelines to get there. This strategy forms a strong foundation for a future energy plan.”

Merran Smith, president, New Economy Canada –

“New Economy Canada members applaud the provincial government’s Powering Our Future strategy, including plans to double B.C.’s supply of clean electricity by 2050. Getting a plan in place quickly to supply this power will bea critical move to help the province achieve energy security, affordability and reliability in a fast-moving world. New Economy Canada members are excited to continue to invest, innovate and hire in B.C. As this workadvances to lay a foundation for a secure, affordable, reliable and clean energy mix, we look forward to workingtogether to help British Columbians compete and win.”

Ian Thomson, president, Advanced Biofuels Canada –

“The updated B.C. clean-energy strategy continues the Province’s climate action leadership by setting higher targets for the production of the clean fuels in B.C., and leading North America in advancing requirements for the use of sustainable aviation fuels.”

Ivette Vera-Perez, president and CEO, Canadian Hydrogen Association –

“I wholeheartedly support British Columbia’s robust commitment to clean energy, particularly its focus on advancing hydrogen technology. The Province’s strategic efforts to develop regional hydrogen hubs, coupled with significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure, position B.C. as a leader in the clean-energy transition. This dedication not only promotes the reduction of emissions in key sectors but also fosters economic growth and job creation. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with B.C. to drive innovation and expand the hydrogen economy, contributing to a sustainable and energy-independent future.”

Josh White, general manager, planning, design and sustainability, City of Vancouver–

“B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy puts clean electricity front and centre as a key solution to B.C.’s climate and affordability challenges. The City of Vancouver looks forward to contributing to the next steps and helping figure out how to double the electricity system in the next 25 years, and how the electricity system will be complemented with renewable gas, hydrogenand other clean-energy sources.”

Mark Zacharias, executive director, Clean Energy Canada –

“For many decades now, B.C. has been in the enviable position of having abundant, affordable renewable electricity thanks to forward-looking planning and investments. We are pleased to see a commitment in Powering Our Future to a comprehensive energy plan to secure the clean, affordable energy needed for B.C. residents and to power economic growth in the coming years.”

A new vision and strategy for B.C.’s clean-energy future

British Columbia is transitioning to a low-carbon future providing an unprecedented opportunity to create jobs, attract investment and generate economic growth all over the province, and advance First Nations participation in the clean-energy sector.

To maximize this opportunity, the Province is working with utilities, First Nations, communities and the renewable-energy industry to build out the province’s supply of clean energy, including electricity and lower-carbon gas and fuels (hydrogen biofuels and renewable natural gas).

Powering Our Future: B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy, outlines a vision for clean energy supporting the Province’s economic, affordability, climate and reconciliation goals in 10 priority areas:

• using energy more efficiently;
• keeping electricity rates affordable for people and businesses;
• increasing and diversifying B.C.’s production of clean electricity;
• maximizing B.C.’s production of clean fuels;
• building out B.C.’s electricity grid and connecting customers faster;
• expanding opportunities for Indigenous peoples;
• planning for a resilient future;
• creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth;
• driving innovation and clean-energy technology; and
• trading with our neighbours to benefit B.C.

Powering Our Future: B.C.’s Clean Energy Strategy, was developed through extensive engagement with representatives from 30 individual First Nations, seven Indigenous organizations including the First Nations Energy and Mining Council, and more than 50 stakeholders from across the clean-energy sector.

The strategy is aligned with the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 climate plan and emissions reduction goals.It also supports the Province’s StrongerBC economic plan, outlining how clean-energy resources can advance inclusive and clean growth in B.C.’s economy, including the growth of new jobs in the clean-energy transition.

New actions supporting the clean-energy transition

Helping people generate their own electricity

In 2004, BC Hydro introduced a self-generation (net metering) program to allow residential and commercial customers to generate their own electricity using renewable-energy systems such as solar panels or wind turbines, and receive credits for any excess energy they produce.

Under this program, customers can install self-generation equipment that measures both the electricity they consume from the grid and the surplus energy they export back to the grid. The surplus energy is credited to their account, offsetting future energy consumption, and any remaining credits at the end of the billing year are purchased by BC Hydro at a predetermined rate. To date, there have been more than9,600 participants in the self-generation program.

Now, for the first time, BC Hydro is introducing rebates on the installation of eligible solar panels and energy-storage batteries for customers looking to make that choice.

• For homes, it’s as much as $5,000 in rebates for installing an eligible solar photovoltaic (PV) system, and $5,000 for an eligible battery-storage system for homes.
• For apartment buildings, small business and other organizations, it’s as much as $75,000 in rebates for solar, and as much as $75,000 for batteries depending on the individual customer.

Customers installing a solar PV system will register for BC Hydro’s self-generation program (formerly called the net metering program), which provides the opportunity to earn a generation credit to put towardtheir future energy use.

To complement the new rebates, BC Hydro will be filing an application with the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) to update its self-generation program to:

• increase the size of generation systems able to participate;
• assign a single price for excess customer generation so the compensation customers receive for their energy reflects its value to the system and does not depend on their individual electricity rate; and
• enable community net metering so that multiple customers (e.g.,multi-unit residential buildings, First Nations communitiesand malls) can contribute to, and benefit from, the same generation project.

Expanding energy-efficiency programs

Energy efficiency is often the best, most cost-effective way for B.C. to meet future energy demand, while also lowering energy bills for people and businesses. By reducing energy and capacity needs, it relieves pressure on the electricity grid, and reduces the need for new clean electricity resources.

Since 2008, British Columbians have achieved more than7,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in energy savings through BC Hydro energy-efficiency programs, which is an amount equivalent to the energy consumption of more than700,000 homes and approximately35% greater than the expected energy contributions of the Site C hydroelectric dam project.

BC Hydro’s new Energy Efficiency Plan invests more than$700 million in tools, technology, and programs for customers over the next three years to encourage more energy-efficient choices to support the energy transition. The new plan is an increase of 60% over BC Hydro’s last energy efficiency plan and is expected to save BC Hydro customers about $80 million per year starting in 2026.

Speeding up, lowering the cost of connections to the grid

BC Hydro’s Distribution Extension Policy sets out how costs are allocated between new and existing customers for new or upgraded connections to the BC Hydro system.

There are three components to the Distribution Extension Policy:

• system improvement costs required to accommodate an upgraded or new customer connection (paid by the customer);
• extension costs required to extend BC Hydro’s existing system to a new customer’s site (paid by the customer); and
• BC Hydro’s contribution to any extension costs, based on expected future revenues from the customer.

The policy needs to be modernized to meet growing demand. In the last four years, customer connection requests have increased by 36% and are expected to continue to increase.

BC Hydro will be filing an application with the BC Utilities Commission to update its Distribution Extension Policy to eliminate system-improvement costs for all new customers except in extraordinary circ*mstances, and to increase BC Hydro’s maximum contribution to offset extension costs.

These updates would result in greater cost certainty for customers and help to encourage larger multi-unit developments, supporting investments in affordable housing and in electrification to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In a related initiative, BC Hydro is reaching out to municipalities to work more closely on building out the needed infrastructure to connect new housing to the electricity grid in response to current and projected demand that is at historic high levels.

Over the past several months, BC Hydro has engaged local governments to explore ways to improve its timelines on building infrastructure and electrical servicing, and is committed to continuing to work together to find efficiencies with the common goal of getting these important projects completed faster.

Calling for clean power

Demand for electricity is increasing in British Columbia, due to population growth and housing construction, increased industrial development – including in the mining sector – and more homes and businesses switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity.

To meet this demand, earlier this spring BC Hydro issued its first call for power in 15 years, seeking to acquire approximately 3,000 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity,enough to power about 270,000 homes or one million electric vehicles per year, and adding 5% to BC Hydro’s current supply.

The latest research from public and private organizations suggests that B.C.’s electricity use will likely double by 2050 to keep up with population and economic growth, transition from fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions.

The Province is planning today to power the clean energy of tomorrow, which is why the current call for power is only the beginning. B.C.’s clean energy strategy commits to conducting regular BC Hydro calls for power every two years to continuously increase and diversify electricity production.

This commitment sends a strong signal to the renewable power sector looking to advance clean-energy projects in B.C., while providing certainty to industries and other investors that British Columbia will have the power needed to support major projects.

The exact volume of future calls for power and timing of acquisitions will continue to be determined through BC Hydro’s long-term resource-planning process, under the oversight of the BC Utilities Commission.

Increasing production of renewable fuels

Not all of B.C.’s energy needs can be met through electricity. Liquid and gas fuels will remain essential for the foreseeable future, especially in areas such aslong-haul transportation, certain industrial processesand in remote communities not connected to the electricity grid.

Lowering the carbon intensity of liquid fuel products by blending them with renewable feedstocks and producing low-carbon fuels such asbiodiesel helps to reduce carbon pollution associated with these products.

To increase B.C.’s supply and use of biofuels, the CleanBC Roadmap to 2030 includes a target for the province to produce 1.3 billion litres of renewable fuel by 2030. Achieving this target is supported by B.C.’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), which requires fuel suppliers to progressively lower the carbon intensity of their products.

Agreements are now in place under the LCFS to support the production of approximately 840 million litres of renewable fuels per year by 2026. As a result, through its clean-energy strategy, the Province is increasing the target for renewable fuel production to 1.5 billion litres per year by 2030.