BC Hydro Call for Power: Key Updates and Timelines
July 14, 2025
Highlights:
10 Electricity Purchase Agreements awarded from the 2024 call for power
No exclusion clause preventing unsuccessful 2024 applicants from participating in 2025
Draft 2025 RFP documents have been released for comment
Additional RFEOI’s for capacity building have been released
Competitive energy acquisition process IR’s due by September 2, 2025
British Columbia’s electricity landscape is undergoing its most significant shift in over a decade, starting with the 2024 BC Hydro Call for Power (the first major Call for Power since 2008). Driven by surging demand, clean energy goals, and Indigenous economic participation, this renewed procurement process marks a pivotal moment in the province’s transition toward a more resilient and diversified electricity system.
The 2024 Call for Power aimed to procure about 3,000 GWh/year of clean electricity and add around 5% to BC Hydro’s current supply.
The Call for Power received more applications than anticipated, and BC Hydro awarded 10 Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPAs): nine wind farms and one solar project. Together, these projects are expected to deliver nearly 5,000 GWh of clean or renewable electricity annually to BC Hydro's grid.
Following the EPA awards, the BC government released a Clean Power Action Plan in May 2025, aimed at doubling clean electricity capacity by 2050. Bill 14 (the Renewable Energy Projects [Streamlined Permitting] Act) was passed at the end of May 2025 and supports the Clean Power Action Plan.
Shortly after, BC Hydro released a Request for Expressions of Interest in June 2025. This program focuses on expanding BC’s long-term capacity. BC Hydro is requesting ideas on capacity and baseload energy projects, including geothermal, pumped storage and hydroelectric resources.
BC Hydro intends to issue the next Call for Power in summer 2025, with electricity purchase agreements targeted at being awarded in early 2026. A draft RFP has been issued for comment on May 26, 2025 and is anticipated to be finalized in the coming days.
Key differences:
Calls are anticipated to be increased from bi-annually to annually
Condensed schedule
Enhanced First Nation participation
Outside of the 2025 Call for Power, BC Hydro has expressed interest in exploring the potential for new, strategic partnership opportunities directly with First Nations for renewable energy projects in B.C.
The evolving procurement process has drawn a range of responses. Supporters see the recent Calls for Power and related policy changes as necessary steps to meet growing demand, advance clean energy targets, and create opportunities for Indigenous participation. Others have raised concerns about the pace of change, the complexity of new requirements, and the potential challenges facing smaller or unsuccessful proponents in future rounds. As BC Hydro moves forward with its next Call for Power, attention will remain on how the process supports both energy system needs and equitable access to project opportunities.
The pre-submission period for the competitive electricity acquisition process opens on July 16, allowing proponents to receive feedback and revise their submissions if needed before the final, mandatory deadline on October 2.
If you are navigating this process and interested in learning more about how Maskwa can help, reach out to us.