The Clean Energy Association of BC (CEBC) was pleased to participate in B.C.’s Budget 2025 Lock-Up, speech, and reception in Victoria. CEBC commends the Government of B.C. for presenting a Budget that seeks to maintain essential services and support B.C. families and businesses in light of the implementation of U.S. tariffs and Canadian retaliatory measures.
CEBC is encouraged by the government’s continued commitment to key initiatives in Budget 2025 and the service plans for ministries and Crown agencies. Notably, the following commitments provide positive momentum for B.C.’s clean energy sector:
· Advancing clean energy development through regular competitive calls for power in collaboration with BC Hydro, First Nations, and the renewable power industry, with the next call being designed in 2025.
· Accelerating permit approvals for clean and low-carbon energy infrastructure while upholding B.C.’s high environmental standards.
· Expanding Indigenous partnerships in clean energy infrastructure, including BC Hydro’s commitment to supporting First Nations equity ownership through electricity purchase agreements (EPAs) and community renewable energy projects in non-integrated areas.
· Enhancing Indigenous participation in BC Hydro’s regional planning decisions.
· Developing contingency plans to support energy exporters, including BC Hydro, in response to tariffs.
· Supporting B.C.’s energy transition and climate targets by directing the Environmental Assessment Office to proceed with the exemption of wind power from Environmental Assessment Act provisions.
Building on these commitments, further measures would strengthen clean energy investment and collaboration across the sector. CEBC recommends that the Province:
· Expedite the design and implementation of the First Nations Equity Financing Framework to prioritize clean energy projects, enabling proponents to meet Indigenous equity requirements and ensuring equitable participation in the clean energy economy.
· Explore greater flexibility in integrated resource planning and EPAs to adapt to evolving opportunities, including U.S. tariffs and federal tax credits.
CEBC looks forward to continued collaboration with First Nations, the Province, industry, and communities to advance these priorities. By working together, B.C. can attract new investment, create sustainable economic opportunities, and continue building a strong and resilient clean energy future.
