New investment in B.C.’s renewable power grid

BC Hydro and the provincial government announced in a joint press release new investments to expand clean electricity.

Called the “Clean Power Action Plan”, it outlines multiple steps aimed at energy development, improved access to the electricity grid, and continued collaboration with Indigenous communities.

It includes a second call for power that could add up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours annually, following a 2024 initiative that generated $6 billion in investment and created thousands of construction jobs. 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year is enough to power 500,000 homes.

Government officials and BC Hydro say the plan is intended to support long-term energy reliability and economic growth while addressing climate goals.

“We are boosting our clean-energy supply, powering our growing communities and industries, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs,” said BC Premier David Eby. “This will help build a strong foundation for our province and our country at a time of external threats to our sovereignty and prosperity,” he added.

According to BC Hydro and the government, the outlined projects represent up to $6 billion in private capital spending. It is expected that the projects will create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.

“Through collaboration with government, First Nations, and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro’s CEO.

As part of this new action plan, BC Hydro commits over $700 million to energy-efficiency tools in the next three years. This investment is projected to generate annual electricity savings of 2,000 gigawatt-hours, sufficient to power 200,000 homes.