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BC Hydro Issues 5,000 GWh Call for Power

August 20, 2025

BC Hydro has launched a new call for power for 2025 to secure new sources of affordable, clean or renewable electricity that will support British Columbia’s expanding economy and create thousands of skilled jobs.

As part of the 2025 call for power, BC Hydro has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to acquire up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours annually of electricity from large, clean or renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers. This is the equivalent of powering 500,000 homes in British Columbia.

“B.C. will be the economic engine of Canada’s new economy, and that engine will be powered by abundant clean electricity,” said Premier David Eby. “By boosting our clean-energy supply in partnership with First Nations, we are supporting growing communities and industries while creating thousands of good-paying jobs and making life more affordable. This is just one way we are securing our future in the face of escalating threats from President Trump.”

In 2024, BC Hydro completed its first call for power in 15 years, which resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%. These projects are expected to generate up to $6 billion in private investment, with up to $3 billion under First Nations ownership, and create approximately 2,000 jobs annually during construction. The projects will also deliver power at prices 40% lower than BC Hydro’s last clean-power process in 2010, after adjusting for inflation.

The 2025 call for power represents the next phase of B.C.’s renewable-energy expansion strategy – deepening First Nations partnerships, unlocking investment and accelerating progress toward the province’s economic and climate goals.

“This is our moment to build the clean-energy future British Columbians deserve,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We’re doubling down on renewable power, expanding our grid and supporting First Nations leadership in energy development, all while helping communities and businesses access the clean electricity they need to grow.”

The RFP eligibility requirements include:

  • generate clean or renewable energy;
  • have capacity greater or equal to 40 megawatts;
  • have a minimum of 25% equity ownership held by First Nations; and
  • be operational by Oct. 1, 2033.

BC Hydro plans to award electricity purchase agreements to selected projects in early 2026.

“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, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “This call for power is a key step in expanding our electricity system to meet growing demand while ensuring security, sustainability and affordability.”

The 2025 call for power is part of the Clean Power Action Plan, which aims to boost grid resilience, expand grid capacity and support B.C.’s transition to a clean economy.

BC Hydro will issue calls for power every two years, alongside delivering $36 billion in infrastructure investments through its 10-year capital plan, enhancing grid reliability and supporting growth in every region of the province.


2025 Call for Power

Request for proposals (RFP) issued

The RFP has now been issued for the 2025 Call for Power.

On this page:

About the Call for Power

The 2025 Call for Power is a competitive energy procurement process that builds on the success of the 2024 Call for Power. It aligns with BC Hydro’s commitment to a regular cadence of procurements for clean, renewable energy in support of B.C.’s growing population and industries.

We are looking to acquire 5,000 GWh/year of additional clean and renewable energy and expect to award Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPAs) in early 2026.

Participation in the 2025 Call for Power does not preclude proponents from taking part in the 2025 Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for Capacity. Interested parties are advised that the 2025 Call for Power process and the 2025 RFEOI for Capacity are independent of the other and participation in one process will not be participation in the other process.
 

Important dates

The following reflects some key dates for the 2025 Call for Power. All dates are subject to change.

MilestoneDates
RFP documents issuedJuly 28, 2025
Competitive Electricity Acquisition Process (CEAP) interconnection request pre-submission deadline*September 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Deadline for submission of registration form (Schedule 1)September 12, 2025
Informational Meeting (for First Nations and registered Proponents only)September 25 and October 2, 2025
CEAP interconnection request submission deadline (including deposits)*October 2, 2025 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time
Deliver completed interconnection feasibility studies to proponentsNovember 19, 2025
Deadline to submit RFP Q&AsNovember 28, 2025
RFP closing date (proposal submission deadline)*January 5, 2026 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time
Deadline to withdraw from RFP without forfeiting bid securityJanuary 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. Pacific Time

*Proponents must meet these deadlines to participate in the RFP.

Quick Facts:

  • When the Site C hydroelectric dam comes into full operation in 2025, it will generate enough electricity for 500,000 homes and increase BC Hydro’s total supply by 8%.
  • BC Hydro is investing more than $700 million over the next three years in energy-efficiency tools, technology and programs, which is expected to result in 2,000 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity savings, or enough to power 200,000 homes.

Go HERE for more information

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