Independent power producer projects
We have a long history of purchasing clean or renewable power from independent power producers (IPPs). IPPs generally include power production companies, municipalities, and First Nations.
We're preparing for a call for power
Electrification is a key pathway to achieving the CleanBC emission reduction targets – and we continue to see significant interest from the residential, commercial, transportation and industrial sectors in making the switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity. We’re forecasting that we'll need new clean or renewable resources starting as early as the end of 2028.
As a result, we're planning to acquire clean or renewable energy from new resources through a competitive acquisition process. We expect to issue a call for power in spring 2024.
We’re looking to First Nations and the Independent Power Producer industry to help us plan this call for power.
Between June and August, we engaged with First Nations, Independent Power Producers and industry stakeholders to gather input on key elements of the Call. For more on what we’ve heard to date, go to engagement.
The input we’ve received will be incorporated into the planning for draft documents, which will be released for further feedback in fall 2023.
Call for power phase 2 workshops
We're currently registering Industry and First Nations representatives for our upcoming workshops on the Draft term sheet and RFP.
Hold the dates
We're planning follow up workshops for November 23 and November 28, 2023. We'll share more information about registration after our October sessions are complete.
About the call
The growing transition to renewable forms of energy is a key pathway to achieving our CleanBC emission reduction targets – and we continue to see significant interest from the residential, commercial, transportation and industrial sectors in making the switch from using fossil fuels to clean electricity.
In fact, with the interest accelerating, we're now forecasting that the need for new resources has moved up about three years.
As stated in Integrated Resource Plan, we now expect to need new renewable energy resources starting as early as 2028.
- Preliminary estimates indicate that we'll plan to procure about 3,000 GWh per year of clean or renewable energy from new generation.
- We're looking for power to be in service as early as 2028.
- We're looking for projects no larger than 200 MW and are considering setting a minimum project size between 30 and 50 MW.
- We're currently designing the call details. We're looking to gather input from First Nations and independent power producers on key elements of the call and our overall approach.
- The exact amount of power we're looking for and the timing of when we need it will be informed by our long-term planning updates and by the input we receive over the consultation process.
While the call for power is one of the options for meeting future demand, it isn't our only option.
- Conserving power is the best and cheapest way that we can help meet the future demand. That's why we're accelerating and ramping up our energy efficiency programs.
- We're continuing to renew electricity purchase agreements with existing clean or renewable IPP projects at cost-effective prices.
- We can build. For example, our Revelstoke generating station was built with the option to expand when the timing is right. With this option, we can add a final turbine to provide 500 megawatts of additional capacity, which is enough to power more than 200,000 homes.
Engagement
We expect to issue the call for power procurement process in spring 2024. We're currently designing the details of the call and seeking input from First Nations, independent power producers and stakeholders on certain design elements and our overall approach.
Phase 1 Engagement Summary Report
Between June and August we hosted engagement sessions to provide information on the upcoming Call for Power and solicit feedback on key elements of the Call.
These include:
- 23 First Nations meetings
Between June and August. Provided a background to the Call for Power, confirm the schedule of upcoming activities for First Nations, and gather feedback on how best to structure First Nations participation.
- 4 information sessions
Late June and early July. Participation from First Nations, local governments across B.C., Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and industry stakeholders.
- Online survey
Shared with First Nations, IPPs and industry stakeholders to solicit their input on key elements of the upcoming Call for Power shared at the information sessions.
- 7 Focus Group sessions
Throughout July and August with experienced IPPs and First Nations to learn from their past experiences with previous calls for power, including BC Hydro's 2010 Clean Power Call, and other calls across North America.
The following topics have generated the most discussion and interest from First Nations, IPPs and industry stakeholders:
- First Nations partnership in projects and collaboration in designing the call
- Project development
- Call process
- Bid pricing
- Subsequent calls
We've prepared an Engagement Summary Report for Phase 1 of our consultation process that features an overview of what we’ve done and what we’ve heard from First Nations and the IPP industry.
- Engagement Summary Report for Phase 1 [PDF, 2.7 MB]
Learn more about the engagement process and upcoming activities.
To participate in engagement, subscribe for email updates.
Have questions?
If you have questions about the call for power, email us.
Related
Electricity purchase agreement renewal program
Learn about our program to renew existing electricity purchase agreements with clean or renewable IPP projects on the integrated system.