Standing Offer Program

Revisions to the Standing Offer Program

BC Hydro has recently completed its two-year review (SOP Review) of the Standing Offer Program. The purpose of the review was to determine if the Standing Offer Program has met it's objectives and to recommend improvements or modifications to ensure its success.

The SOP Review included an assessment of the program to date, including analysis of participation, the application and interconnection processes, government permitting processes and the prices offered for energy. Input was solicited and received from developers, First Nations and stakeholders to assist in identifying improvements. BC Hydro also conducted jurisdictional reviews, which compared the Standing Offer Program to similar programs in other parts of North America.

As a result, BC Hydro has implemented the complete set of Standing Offer Program recommendations in the SOP Review Report [PDF, 2.9 Mb] including maximum allowable project size, eligibility of non-proven technologies and the payment price offered for energy. Improvements have also been made to the application and interconnection processes.

BC Hydro held a webcast on February 23, 2011 to inform developers, First Nations and stakeholders of the changes to the Standing Offer Program and to provide an overview of the application and review process. A copy of the presentation is available on the Workshops & Presentations page.

Program overview

BC Hydro implemented a Standing Offer Program to encourage the development of small and clean or renewable energy projects throughout British Columbia. The program was developed to streamline the process for small developers selling electricity to BC Hydro, simplify the contract and decrease transaction costs for developers while remaining cost-effective for rate payers. The Standing Offer Program embodies the principles and policies set out in the BC Energy Plan and the Clean Energy Act.

The Standing Offer Program Rules [PDF, 2.8 Mb] explain the eligibility requirements, the payment price offered by BC Hydro for energy delivered under the Standing Offer Program, and the application process.

Who can apply

To be eligible to apply for the Standing Offer Program, the developer and the project must meet a number of requirements. Find out who can apply for the Standing Offer Program.

How to apply

In addition to the Application Form, the developer must submit several Exhibits. Find out how to apply for the Standing Offer Program.

Application review process

Several steps are required in the review of an application from the time it is received to the EPA offer and acceptance stage. Find out what to expect when submitting a Standing Offer Program application.

Documents

All documents relevant to the Standing Offer Program can be found on the Documents page.

FAQs

For answers to common questions on the Standing Offer Program, we invite you to review our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Inquiries and mailing list

Please email us your question or join our mailing list to keep up-to-date on the latest Standing Offer Program updates.