Energizing B.C.'s next chapter
B.C. is entering a new era of clean electricity growth. With demand rising sharply, we’re acting now to protect affordability, maintain reliability, and expand our clean energy system to power B.C.’s future.
A legacy to build on
The major hydro projects built between the 1960s and 1980s remain the backbone of our system, enabling us to generate electricity that is 98% renewable while keeping rates among the lowest in North America. This legacy gives B.C. a strong advantage as population growth, electrification, and record industrial investment drive electricity needs higher than at any point in recent history.
Actions such as bringing the John Horgan Dam and Generating Station into service, completing two calls for power, and expanding energy‑efficiency programs are strengthening B.C.’s ability to meet rising demand. Electricity use is expected to grow by about 50% by 2050, with peak demand–the highest‑use periods on the coldest days–rising by 44%.
The Plan: Conserve. Optimize. Build.
Looking ahead, sustained investment in new capacity and clean energy–especially firm, flexible resources for peak periods–will be essential to maintaining reliability. Our Powering Growth Strategy builds on past investments with a layered approach focused on three core actions:
- Conserve: Reduce demand through energy efficiency, the lowest cost resource, as outlined in our Power Smart 2.0 Plan.
- Optimize: Modernize existing hydro assets to unlock more dependable capacity.
- Build: Add new generation and transmission to support long term growth.
Advancing all three in parallel gives B.C. the flexibility needed to ensure we’re ready to meet future needs.
Conserve: Power Smart 2.0
Since 2008, British Columbians have saved more than 7,000 gigawatt hours of electricity through Power Smart initiatives – enough to power over 700,000 homes each year. Building on this strong foundation, we launched our $1-billion Power Smart 2.0 Plan in May 2026, the largest conservation investment in our history. By 2030, it will deliver:
- 800 megawatts (MW) of capacity savings
- 2,200 gigawatts (GWh) of annual energy savings
- $2 billion in avoided infrastructure costs
- $1.4 billion in Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) and 3,500 jobs per year
New offerings include free smart thermostats, instant rebates, rewards, enhanced income‑qualified supports, and expanded incentives for businesses.
Optimize: More power from what we already have
Upgrades across BC Hydro’s hydroelectric system will add more than 1,000 MW of dependable capacity.
- Revelstoke Unit 6: A sixth generating unit will add 500 MW of cost-effective capacity, strengthening our ability to meet peak electricity demand and integrate new renewable energy sources.
- Modernizing GM Shrum Generating Station: Upgrading five generating units will improve performance, extend lifespan, and add 100 MW of dependable capacity.
- Additional optimization upgrades: Modernizing Revelstoke units 1 to 4, Mica units 1 to 4, Seven Mile turbines, and upgrades at Falls River, Clowhom, Wahleach, Kootenay Canal, and Seton will add over 400 MW of capacity, with further opportunities under evaluation.
Build: New generation and transmission
Even with conservation and optimization, B.C. will need new supply and stronger transmission infrastructure.
Exploring future large hydroelectric projects
As B.C. grows and demand for electricity increases, we’re adding more wind and solar to diversify our energy mix. At the same time, these resources increase the need for dependable, on-demand capacity – especially during peak periods, like cold winter days. That’s why large hydroelectric generation continues to play an essential role as we look to increase system capacity. Large hydro’s unique ability to provide substantial, reliable capacity when it’s needed most is something few other technologies can match, and it will play an even bigger role as we bring more intermittent renewables online.
We’re beginning early‑stage exploration of two potential future projects to better understand long‑term options and what the next generation of large, publicly owned hydroelectric projects in B.C. could look like. These include:
- Site E: Located on the Peace River, approximately 60 kilometres from the recently completed John Horgan Dam and Generating Station, the potential Site E project would take advantage of existing reservoir storage to expand capacity in the region. Early estimates suggest it could provide up to 750 megawatts of generating capacity and produce roughly 3,000 gigawatt hours of energy each year.
- Homathko: The potential Homathko project, near the Bute Inlet – approximately 250 kilometres northwest of Vancouver, would consist of up to four dams and three powerhouses, and depending on the configuration could provide about up to 900 megawatts of capacity and 4,500 gigawatt hours of energy annually. An adjacent river system (Southgate) is also being considered for an additional 200 megawatts of capacity. Transmission lines connecting the potential project site to the provincial grid at Williams Lake and Vancouver Island will also be investigated.
This exploration does not represent a commitment to proceed. Rather, it is about gathering the information needed to make well-informed decisions on how best to meet the province’s future energy needs. Major capacity resources – like dams and generating stations – require significant time to plan and develop. Starting this work now ensures we fully understand our options and are prepared to address future capacity needs in a timely and responsible way.
Additional capacity resources
We’re also evaluating the potential for geothermal, biomass for winter reliability, utility-scale battery storage and emerging technologies to strengthen our system’s capacity.
Strengthening transmission
To move clean power where it’s needed, we’re advancing major transmission investment, including:
- North Coast Transmission Line: Doubling the capacity between Prince George and Terrace.
- Regional economic development initiatives: Supporting growth in key high-growth areas, including North Thompson to Kamloops, Williams Lake, Terrace to Kitimat, the Port of Prince Rupert and the South Peace Montney region.
- Upgrading existing major transmission corridors: Enhancements to the Lower Mainland to Vancouver Island and Interior to Lower Mainland transmission corridors.
Building for the future, together
Building B.C.’s energy future depends on meaningful collaboration with industry partners, customers, First Nations and communities. These partnerships will help shape an electricity system that reflects shared priorities and is thoughtfully developed to meet the needs of British Columbians for generations.