Micro-SOP: Program background

The Micro-SOP promotes clean energy opportunities for First Nations and Communities. It was developed in response to stakeholder and First Nations feedback received through the 2012 Net Metering program filing with the BC Utilities Commission, and the Clean Energy Strategy within our 2013 Integrated Resource Plan. First Nations and communities provided feedback that, while a 2014 increase in the Net Metering program cap enabled projects up to 100 kW, it still left no room for projects between 100 kW to 1 MW.

We designed the program to be a simpler, more streamlined process within the Standing Offer Program. It aims to reduce costs to the developer and provides greater certainty around interconnection study costs and associated upgrade costs. A simplified form of the Standing Offer Program electricity purchase agreement was also developed.

Developing the Micro-SOP

We held three engagement sessions during June 2014 to seek input into the design of the Micro-SOP. These sessions included a workshop in Vancouver on June 9, a webinar on June 10 and a First Nations meeting on June 25. Nearly 50 stakeholder and First Nations representatives participated in these sessions and provided feedback. We received additional comments following the sessions in the form of written submissions from nine stakeholder and First Nations representatives. The presentation materials, meeting notes and summary of written feedback are available.

• June 2014 engagement sessions presentation [PDF, 615 KB]
• Comparison of BC Hydro's Distributed Generation Offers [PDF, 432 KB]
• Meeting Notes and Written Feedback [PDF, 432 KB]

The Micro-SOP for First Nations and Communities was launched on March 4, 2016.