B.C. Streamlines Permitting for Renewable-Energy Projects
May 1, 2025
The BC government is taking action to speed up permitting for renewable-energy projects to meet growing demand for clean power, address climate change and secure energy independence for British Columbians in the face of unprecedented trade threats.
Government introduced the renewable energy projects (streamlined permitting) act to the legislative assembly on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. If passed, the act will expand the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to oversee renewable-energy projects, building on the Province’s investments to generate the clean power needed to create a healthier environment and sustainable future for British Columbians.
“B.C. has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to become a world leader in clean-energy production and we will take every action possible to see that all British Columbians benefit from this opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Renewable energy projects like wind and solar are urgently needed to provide affordable clean power, create jobs, and strengthen and diversify our economy, especially during this period of global market uncertainty.”
If approved, these changes will establish the BCER as the primary permitting agency for renewable-energy projects and transmission lines. The legislation will help simplify the approvals process for these projects, eliminating the need for cross-ministry and agency permitting, by establishing the BCER as the single window for permitting in accordance with strict environmental standards. This will be completed in a staged approach through regulation.
The BCER’s initial focus will be on the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project and the wind- and solar-power projects in BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power. This will help accelerate the expansion of British Columbia’s electricity grid and meet the demand in growth arising from critical-mineral and metal mining, port electrification, hydrogen and fuel processing, and shipping projects under consideration.
The proposed legislation would also:
- exempt the NCTL project and the nine wind projects selected in the 2024 call for power from the environmental assessment processes and allow government to do the same for other wind-power projects in the future; and
- enable the BCER to establish a new rigorous regulatory framework for renewable-energy projects through consultation with First Nations, ensuring that environmental standards are upheld.
“The BC Energy Regulator is pleased to see the introduction of this legislation and has been engaging with ministries and others to prepare for this expanded mandate that will include permitting processes and engagement functions,” said Michelle Carr, CEO and commissioner, BC Energy Regulator. “Our staff are working across seven regional offices to ensure energy activities are carried out safely, responsibly and in alignment with provincial goals and BCER’s vision for a resilient energy future.”
The Province is committed to accelerating decisions on renewable-energy projects responsibly.
The BCER has demonstrated expertise at getting projects moving quickly, while providing robust regulatory oversight through the lifecycle of projects. This is a natural evolution of the BCER’s role, which initially focused on oil, gas and geothermal development, then expanded to include hydrogen and now, renewable energy.
