CanREA and Pembina Voice Support for BC Hydro REFOIs
June 25, 2025
The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) welcomes two new clean energy RFEOIs in British Columbia, as recently announced by Minister Adrian Dix, British Columbia’s Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.
On June 4, 2024, BC Hydro launched two requests for expressions of interest (RFEOI) to explore the next era of the province’s power potential, expand clean-energy resources and advance energy efficiency. Both initiatives are part of the recently announced Clean Power Action Plan, an ambitious strategy to strengthen energy security, enhance system resilience and accelerate the transition to clean electricity.
The first RFEOI focuses on meeting growing peak demand through new baseload and capacity solutions such as energy storage. The second RFEOI targets innovation in energy efficiency. Submissions will close in September 2025. The details are available on BC Hydro’s website.
“We are fortunate to have a range of flexible energy storage solutions we can leverage in Canada, and we are thrilled that BC is taking the first step in getting more of these projects to market and building a more diverse and resilient electricity system,” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO.
“We fully support BC Hydro’s efforts to grow the province’s supply of clean energy, while making sure that energy is used as efficiently as possible,” commented Jessica McIlroy, the Pembina Institute’s manager of government relations.
“The demand for electricity in B.C. is set to increase by between 22 and 41 per cent by 2040 — a dramatic spike, spurred by population growth and the accelerating electrification of industrial development. We’re extremely fortunate to be in a position to meet this increasing demand with clean power. Doing so will help ensure an affordable and reliable supply of power for everyone in B.C., while also positioning B.C. for long-term economic success.
“Our research shows existing hydro, batteries and energy efficiency measures are the best ways to meet reliability needs as demand grows. These proven and low-cost technologies deliver benefits for the province, ratepayers and the environment. And in the longer term, new hydro or nuclear projects may overcome their cost and timeline risks to be ready to meet more of this growing energy demand. As we explore potential energy generation technologies, electricity grid infrastructure improvements and energy efficiency programs, B.C. must ensure strong partnerships and collaboration with Indigenous nations at all stages.”
CanREA is encouraged by BC Hydro’s commitment to soliciting broad feedback from industry on the full range of potential technology solutions, including energy storage, that can meet capacity needs and using this feedback to inform future procurement processes.
“CanREA members look forward to working with BC Hydro to develop innovative, cost-effective capacity solutions that will support the integration of renewables into the grid and BC’s clean energy transition,” said Patricia Lightburn, CanREA’s BC Director.
