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.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
Learn More:
For more information about the 2025 call for power, visit:
https://bchydro.com/CallforPower
To learn about the Province's Clean Power Action Plan, visit:
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECS0018-000412
A backgrounder follows.
Backgrounders
What people are saying about the 2025 call for power
Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks -
"B.C. is a clean-energy powerhouse, and this second call for power will help harness our province's potential for producing more energy in an environmentally friendly way. While we accelerate the development of large-scale renewable projects, we do so by holding firm to our commitment to world-class environmental standards."
Spencer Chandra Herbert, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation -
"Delivering clean, affordable and reliable power, while working in partnership with First Nations across B.C., is a critical next step in advancing reconciliation while building a better province."
Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth -
"Harnessing B.C.'s abundant natural resources to fuel our expanding economy through domestic clean-energy production will strengthen our province's economic sovereignty. By creating and sustaining good-paying local jobs, we're ensuring British Columbians can build prosperous careers in their home communities while positioning B.C. as the engine of Canada's new economy."
Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) -
"Through our market-proven Indigenous Equity Initiative, the CIB will make loans available as an option for First Nations to help finance up to 90% of their equity position in a project that is awarded an electricity purchase agreement in which the CIB is also investing."
Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) -
"CEBC celebrates the Province's continued commitment to clean-power procurement and long-term planning that centres on collaboration between First Nations and industry to benefit all British Columbians. When Nations lead the development of projects in their territories, supported by strong industry partnerships and government engagement, we see real progress toward economic reconciliation, environmental stewardship and lasting job creation. This call for power is part of a broader shift toward shared prosperity and a sustainable energy future that delivers long-term benefits across the province, with First Nations playing a central role in leading and shaping that progress."
Robert Phillips, political executive, First Nations Summit -
"Across British Columbia, the path forward is clear: new projects must be built with First Nations as true partners, grounded in our free, prior and informed consent. Today's call for power is yet another opportunity to demonstrate that standard in practice - embedding equity, decision-making and respect for our laws and lands. We also acknowledge the First Nations Energy and Mining Council for consistently championing First Nations-led clean energy as the foundation for lasting reconciliation."
Brandon Dyck, renewables and government affairs co-ordinator, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada -
"British Columbia is poised to renew its legacy as the best place to do business while maintaining a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is prepared to meet the demand and build the necessary infrastructure to connect our communities with the full participation of First Nations and Indigenous citizens. Current global challenges bring new opportunities for B.C. to continue to lead by example by providing well-paying, sustainable union jobs in the renewable-energy sector, now and into the future."
Chris Wasilenchuk, president, Construction, Maintenance and Allied Workers Canada -
"This second call for power is a pivotal opportunity to advance clean energy while driving real and lasting economic benefits for local communities. It enables the creation of good jobs, the growth of regional supply chains and investment in a resilient, skilled trades workforce. Most importantly, this process creates space for meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, ensuring that clean energy development is inclusive, equitable, and rooted in shared prosperity."
Matt MacInnis, president, Electrical Contractors Association of British Columbia -
"B.C.'s clean, affordable electricity has always been a competitive advantage for the province's economy. Developing new renewable-power generation will help ensure B.C. can attract new investment and grow the economy while maintaining strong environmental performance. B.C.'s electrical and line utility contractors look forward to playing a significant role in building the selected projects and the associated infrastructure needed to connect them to the grid."
Rebecca Spring, spokesperson, New Economy Canada -
"This new call for power, building on last year's successful call, sends a strong signal to local and international companies that B.C. is committed to supporting economic growth. It gives investors and developers confidence that their projects will be backed by a reliable, growing clean-electricity grid that's ready to support new businesses and create jobs."
Tom Hackney, policy adviser, B.C. Sustainable Energy Association -
"BC Hydro's 2025 call for power is another big step toward a clean-energy future. Clean, renewable power will help B.C. meet its climate action goals, while creating jobs, keeping energy affordable and promoting reconciliation with First Nations."
Evan Pivnick, program manager, Clean Energy Canada -
"Clean electricity is one of B.C.'s most important competitive advantages, creating avenues to reduce energy bills, seize economic opportunities, advance reconciliation and support climate action. B.C.'s second large call for power in as many years is welcome news for industries and households increasingly looking to electrify and reduce costs. With a commitment to launching a new call every two years, the province is showing, not just telling, how B.C. will meet growing demand for clean electricity."
Chris Severson-Baker, executive director, Pembina Institute -
"Electrification is B.C.'s greatest opportunity to address the economic impacts of trade disputes and the impacts of climate change, while creating jobs and prosperity for British Columbians. Advancing another call for power demonstrates the commitment to leadership in the clean-energy economy and we are pleased to see the Province and BC Hydro moving quickly to solidify B.C.'s role in the global age of electricity."
