BC Hydro’s Call for Power Returns: What You Need to Know

By Lorne Richardson

Background

The Province of British Columbia, in conjunction with BC Hydro, has advanced its 2025 Call for Power initiative, marking a continued expansion of renewable energy procurement.

BC Hydro’s practice of procuring independent power projects was effectively paused for over a decade while the Province focused on delivering the Site C hydroelectric project, a large-scale project intended to meet a significant portion of B.C.’s long-term electricity demand. With Site C now complete, and demand growth accelerating, BC Hydro has resumed regular procurements as part of a broader effort to expand clean-energy supply and support projected demand growth across the Province.

Results of the 2025 Call for Power

BC Hydro received 14 proposals and selected four wind projects in Northern BC and the Southern Interior, each under a 30-year electricity purchase agreement:

Bessie Wind Project (Dawson Creek)
Nicola Wind Project (West Kelowna)
Sweetwater Wind Project (Dawson Creek)
Taylor South Wind Project (Taylor)

Collectively, the projects will deliver 3,500 GWh annually, supply enough electricity for 350,000 homes, and increase BC Hydro’s current supply by approximately 5%. All projects are expected to come online starting in 2032, with full operation by October 2033.

Key Program Features

Projects were required to include at least 25% First Nations equity ownership, furthering the Province’s goals of Indigenous partnership. All successful projects exceeded this requirement, achieving 51% Indigenous equity. The projects were required to meet environmental, regulatory, and commercial viability thresholds, and align with BC Hydro’s grid requirements and regional transmission capacity.

Why This Matters

The 2025 Call for Power is expected to generate approximately $4.3 billion in private capital investment, create approximately 1,500 jobs across the Province, and result in more than $2 billion of ownership by First Nations.

What Proponents Should Expect

The 2025 Call for Power was launched in July 2025. BC Hydro has indicated that future intake windows are expected to occur on a recurring basis, although no date has yet been confirmed. The program targets utility-scale renewable energy projects capable of supplying power under long-term electricity purchase agreements, with an emphasis on large projects and collaboration with Indigenous communities.

Conclusion

BC Hydro’s renewed Call for Power program marks a return to competitive renewable procurement following the completion of Site C. For developers, the program signals continued opportunity, but in a competitive market that favours utility-scale projects, strong Indigenous partnerships, and commercial readiness.

This blog post is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. Readers are cautioned to not rely on or take any action based on the information provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to Lorne Richardson for a complimentary consultation. You can book a consult on www.macushlaw.ca through our booking system or call 604-900-7611.