Vancouver, BC – June 27, 2024 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) wholeheartedly supports the Province of British Columbia’s new “Powering Our Future” clean energy plan, released today under the leadership of Minister Josie Osborne, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. This comprehensive policy is a significant step forward in establishing BC as a global leader in clean energy innovation, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability.
“By prioritizing collaborative initiatives with First Nations and industry, BC is paving the way for a future where clean energy innovation drives economic growth and environmental stewardship. Investments in renewable energy projects not only enhance our competitive edge but also ensure long-term sustainability, positioning BC as a leader in the global clean energy transition. The new ‘Powering our Future’ clean energy plan is an encouraging next step in bolstering BC’s status as a clean energy superpower, leveraging the decreasing cost of renewables to create a competitive clean economy founded on good jobs, meaningful reconciliation, and affordable clean electricity,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director of CEBC.
The plan prioritizes the expansion of BC’s electricity grid and commits to issuing regular calls for power every two years. These initiatives aim to increase and diversify BC’s electricity production, creating thousands of high-quality jobs and ensuring a sustainable energy future. Committing to regular calls for power sends a strong and necessary signal to the renewable power sector to invest and advance utility-scale clean electricity projects in BC. It also provides certainty to industries of all types that BC will have the power needed for major projects. This approach will help rapidly grow our electrical grid and economy to ensure diversified, affordable, reliable, and clean power is available to British Columbians.
Ensuring energy affordability is a cornerstone of the plan amidst high interest rates and global inflation. This strategy is essential for supporting BC residents, seniors, and families while strengthening BC’s competitive edge in attracting investment from traditional and new industries. Affordable energy solutions outlined in BC’s policy are crucial for our economic prosperity. By embracing these strategies, we’re enhancing affordability while reducing our carbon footprint.
The plan also emphasizes the importance of building an economy powered by clean energy, creating new opportunities for people and communities across the province, including First Nations that are already leaders in the clean energy sector. By supporting meaningful partnerships and expanding opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, we can achieve our clean energy goals while advancing reconciliation.
CEBC is excited about the Province’s vision for clean energy, which aligns economic growth with environmental stewardship. Through collaborative partnerships, BC is solidifying its position as a leader in clean energy innovation, fostering economic resilience, and promoting environmental sustainability. By prioritizing equitable access to funding and resources, BC is paving the way for sustainable development benefiting both industry and First Nations communities, ensuring a prosperous and inclusive future for all.
For further information, please contact:
Ombrielle Neria
comms@cleanenergybc.org
