What We Do

BC Hydro provides high-value, reliable power to fuel economic growth in British Columbia.

As the third largest electric utility in Canada, BC Hydro serves customers in an area [PDF, 140 Kb] containing over 94% of British Columbia's population. BC Hydro endeavours to provide energy solutions to its customers in an environmentally and socially responsible way by balancing British Columbians' energy needs with the concerns of the environment.

BC Hydro's role and the new Clean Energy Act

Through the efficient and reliable supply of electricity, BC Hydro supports the development of British Columbia and has constructed a world-class integrated hydroelectric system. Due to this efficient, reliable system, British Columbians enjoy some of the lowest electricity rates in North America.

BC Hydro's primary business activities are the generation and distribution of electricity. For years the Transmission of that electricity had been facilitated by the BC Transmission Corporation on behalf of BC Hydro and other power providers in B.C.

The new Clean Energy Act consolidated BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation to provide a single entity that will plan and deliver the clean energy required to meet British Columbia’s growing demand for electricity while fostering job creation throughout the province and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more about the integration of BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation [PDF, 290 Kb]

BC Hydro operates 30 hydroelectric facilities and three natural gas-fueled thermal power plants. About 80% of the province's electricity is produced by major hydroelectric generating stations on the Columbia and Peace rivers. BC Hydro generates between 43,000 and 54,000 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity annually, depending on prevailing water levels.

A crown corporation

BC Hydro reports to the B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, whose energy policies are laid out in the 2007 BC Energy Plan. Several elements and targets included in that plan were updated in the Clean Energy Act of 2010.

Vision

BC Hydro's vision is "Powering B.C. with clean, reliable electricity for Generations". This vision provides the context for our business decisions.

Strategic objectives

Safely keep the lights on
Reliably meet the electricity needs of our customers through integrated planning, technology and safely operating, maintaining and advancing our system.
Mind our footprint
Create a sustainable energy future in B.C. by carefully managing our impacts on the environment and fostering an energy conservation and efficiency culture.
Succeed through relationships
Gain support for our work by building trusted relationships with customers, suppliers, First Nations and the communities we serve.
Foster economic development
Foster economic development opportunities across B.C. through our projects, practices and advancement of the clean energy sector.
Maintain competitive rates
Deliver value for British Columbia and maintain competitive rates by efficiently and responsibly managing our business.
Engage a safe and empowered team
Empower a team that is innovative, prepared for the future and committed to safety.

Core values

BC Hydro has six core values essential to the company's success:

Safety – keep safety first in mind, heart and action
Accountability – take ownership, be decisive and move forward
Teamwork – One Hydro – make it happen together
Integrity – do the right thing
Service – proud of our service
Ingenuity – create resourceful solutions