Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands – Draft RFP

BC Hydro posted the following:

November 18, 2009

December 21, 2008

  • BC Hydro would like to thank everyone that provided their comments on the draft RFP documents. We will review and consider the comments as we continue with the design of the RFP.


BC Hydro intends to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) to obtain viable, cost-effective and reliable electricity supply solutions for Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands, and is seeking input on the draft RFP documents and process from the Haida Nation, other First Nations and stakeholders. To provide new sources of electricity to the islands, BC Hydro will consider a range of options, including firm and non-firm energy, innovative technologies, interconnection of the north and south grids, and associated value-added product attributes.

Located off the northwest coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii, also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, is one of BC Hydro's non-integrated areas and is not connected to BC Hydro's integrated system. Haida Gwaii's electricity needs are currently served by two separate generation-distribution systems. Power is provided to the northern grid by BC Hydro's diesel generating system in Masset; the southern grid receives power from EPCOR's hydroelectric plant contracted to BC Hydro. Back-up power is generated at BC Hydro's diesel generation station in Sandspit.

BC Hydro is seeking electricity supply solutions to serve the communities on Haida Gwaii. Diesel displacement, where it can be done economically, is a key objective for BC Hydro's non-integrated areas and also aligns with the environmental objectives of local residents.

The Council of the Haida Nation (CHN), led the development of a Community Electricity Plan (CEP) for Haida Gwaii, with input from representatives and residents from all island communities, BC Hydro and the Province. The CEP identifies community goals and values with respect to electricity generation and identifies demand side management opportunities.

BC Hydro has developed draft RFP documents and has received input from the Haida Nation, other First Nations and stakeholders as part of the call design process. The draft RFP includes key criteria that will inform the evaluation of proposals.

Key Design Guidelines for the Draft RFP

BC Hydro will consider a range of supply solutions for Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands. Some key aspects of the draft RFP are:

  • Projects chosen must be in alignment with the CEP. 
  • Projects must qualify as clean or renewable in accordance with the province's Clean Energy guidelines [PDF, 38 Kb].
  • Projects must be financially feasible.
  • Supply options may include non-firm energy, firm energy with associated non-firm energy, and/or capacity and associated firm energy to supply a peak load of up to 5.5 MW on the north grid (Masset) and up to 6.0 MW on the south grid (Sandspit).
  • BC Hydro will also consider alternate solutions, including the use of innovative technology, interconnection of the north and south grids, and associated value-added product attributes that contribute to an on-island solution.

Information Session

On December 9, 2008, BC Hydro invited the Haida Nation, other First Nations and stakeholders to an information session in Queen Charlotte City to provide an overview of the draft RFP and an opportunity to influence the design of the process, and build a mutual understanding of interests between BC Hydro and participants. The presentation is available on the Workshops and Presentations page.

Draft RFP Documents

The Haida Nation, other First Nations and stakeholders were encouraged to submit their written comments on the draft documents to BC Hydro by January 8, 2009. BC Hydro would like to thank everyone that provided their comments. We will review and consider the comments as we continue with the design of the RFP.

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Please email us your question or join our mailing list to keep up-to-date on the latest Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands RFP updates.

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Last Modified: Nov 18, 2009