Vancouver/CMEDIA: A new call for power for 2025 has been reportedly launched by British Columbia (BC) Hydro to secure new sources of affordable, clean or renewable electricity to support British Columbia’s expanding economy and create thousands of skilled jobs.
“B.C. will be the economic engine of Canada’s new economy.,,boosting our clean-energy supply in partnership with First Nations, we are supporting growing communities and industries…securing our future in the face of escalating threats from President Trump,” BC Premier David Eby said.
As part of the 2025 call for power, a request for proposals (RFP) has been issued by the BC Hydro to acquire up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours annually of electricity, an equivalent of powering 500,000 homes in BC from large, clean or renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers.
“B.C. is a clean-energy powerhouse…accelerate the development of large-scale renewable projects, we do so by holding firm to our commitment to world-class environmental standards,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.
Having completed its first call in 2024 for power in 15 years by BC Hydro resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%.
Expected to generate up to $6 billion in private investment, with up to $3 billion under First Nations ownership, these projects would reportedly create approximately 2,000 jobs annually during construction.
“Delivering clean, affordable and reliable power, while working in partnership with First Nations across B.C., is a critical next step in advancing reconciliation while building a better province,” Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation said.
The projects will also deliver power at prices 40% lower than BC Hydro’s last clean-power process in 2010, after adjusting for inflation.
Representing the next phase of BC’s renewable-energy expansion strategy, the 2025 call for power would deepen First Nations partnerships, unlock investment and accelerate progress toward the province’s economic and climate goals.
“This is our moment to build the clean-energy future British Columbians deserve…expanding our grid and supporting First Nations leadership in energy development, all while helping communities and businesses access the clean electricity they need to grow,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
The RFP eligibility requirements include:
- generate clean or renewable energy;
- have capacity greater or equal to 40 megawatts;
- have a minimum of 25% equity ownership held by First Nations; and
- be operational by Oct. 1, 2033.
BC Hydro plans to award electricity purchase agreements to selected projects in early 2026.
“Through collaboration with government, First Nations and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future. This call for power is…to meet growing demand while ensuring security, sustainability and affordability, said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro.
The 2025 call for power is part of the Clean Power Action Plan, which aims to boost grid resilience, expand grid capacity and support B.C.’s transition to a clean economy.
After coming into full operation in 2025, the Site C hydroelectric dam will generate enough electricity for 500,000 homes and increase BC Hydro’s total supply by 8%.
Planning to issue calls for power every two years, BC Hydro would also deliver through its 10-year capital plan $36 billion in infrastructure investments enhancing grid reliability and supporting growth in every region of the province.
BC Hydro’s investment of more than $700 million over the next three years in energy-efficiency tools, technology and programs is expected to result in 2,000 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity savings, or enough to power 200,000 homes.
