The grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) procurement is a process to advance B.C.'s first grid-scale battery energy storage project. As electricity demand continues to grow across the province, this project will strengthen reliability and support growing electricity demand.
The first stage of the procurement process, the request for supplier qualifications (RFSQ), was issued on July 30, 2026, and responses will be accepted until September 16, 2026.
About the BESS procurement
As part of our Powering Growth Plan, we're advancing investments in clean electricity infrastructure to support population growth, economic development, electrification, and long-term system reliability.
BESS projects have been identified as a key component of B.C.'s future electricity system by providing fast-response capacity, increased operational flexibility, and enhanced utilization of existing transmission and distribution infrastructure.
We've identified the need for as much as 500 MW of potential battery storage capacity across B.C., including a proposed battery storage project on Vancouver Island. Battery storage will improve reliability, increase system flexibility and help meet growing peak demand.
The Vancouver Island battery project is the first battery storage investment advancing under BC Hydro's Powering Growth Plan. This project will deliver at least 100 MW of battery storage capacity, providing flexible power that can be stored when electricity demand is lower and dispatched when demand is highest.
BC Hydro expects to own and operate the battery storage facility while leveraging private-sector expertise through a competitive procurement process for design, construction and potentially long-term maintenance services.
Procurement process
The RFSQ marks the beginning of the procurement process and will help identify leading battery energy storage providers capable of delivering a safe, reliable and cost-effective facility.
Based on a review of the received RFSQ responses, BC Hydro intends to invite qualified respondents for participation in one or more subsequent request for proposal (RFP) opportunities.
How to respond to the RSFQ
The procurement will be conducted through BC Bid. RFSQ documents are only available on the BC Bid website.
Responses must be delivered electronically to the BC Bid address specified in the RFSQ document. Responses delivered to any other address will not be considered or accepted.
Register on BC Bid for more information about the process and to access the required RFSQ documents.
If you need help viewing documents or navigating the BC Bid website, please contact the BC Bid Help Desk by phone at 1 250 387 7301 or by email at bcbid@gov.bc.ca.
The BC Bid Help Desk is available 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays).