Stakeholder Engagement
British Columbia is growing and so is our need for reliable energy. Although there are many issues and considerations underlying how BC Hydro plans for B.C.'s electricity future, filling the electricity shortfall will be met in three fundamental ways. Put simply, it means conserving more, building more capacity through reinvesting in existing heritage assets and considering new larger-scale projects and buying more from Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
A number of different acquisitions processes are underway to help BC Hydro acquire some of the electricity needed to fill the forecasted supply gap. These processes, including the Clean Power Call, the Standing Offer Program and the Bioenergy Call for Power, are expected to result in long-term purchase agreements with IPPs.
BC Hydro believes that those affected by our business should be informed about our activities, be involved in transparent processes and have an opportunity to participate in those activities that affect them. In designing our acquisitions processes, we involve IPPs, First Nations, provincial and local government, customers, industry, environmental groups, non-government organizations and other stakeholders. Generally, engagement consists of:
- Involving others early in the process
- Setting clear expectations with participants
- Understanding the historical context
- Meeting commitments and providing follow-up
- Understanding the values behind stakeholders' positions
- Listening carefully and communicating clearly
- Being open and flexible around the process and possible outcomes
More specifically, engagement on acquisition processes often consists of the following:
- Communicating information out to stakeholders at an early stage
- Keeping stakeholders involved and informed about next steps
- Holding information sessions and workshops to provide details and seek feedback
- Soliciting stakeholder input through online forms and/or written submissions
How you can get involved
We are committed to seeking input from IPPs, First Nations, provincial and local government, customers, industry, environmental groups, non-government organizations and other stakeholders early in the development of potential acquisition processes to influence the design of the process and build a mutual understanding of interests between BC Hydro and these participants.
BC Hydro offers a number of ways for those interested to get involved with our processes, including soliciting comments on draft documents during the process design stage and holding workshops and events. To find out more on how you can get involved, please visit the individual call pages. For more details on upcoming and past information sessions, please visit our Workshops and Presentations page.
Inquiries and mailing list
Please email us your question or join our mailing list to keep up-to-date on the latest Power Acquisitions updates and activities.