CEBC Statement on B.C. Budget 2026: Navigating Global Uncertainty and Driving Growth with Clean Energy 

VICTORIA, B.C. (February 17, 2026) – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) was pleased to participate in the release of B.C.’s Budget 2026. As the Province adopts a disciplined fiscal path amid a shifting global trade landscape, CEBC underscores that clean energy is a primary driver of economic growth and reconciliation. The Association agrees with Premier Eby and Minister Bailey that B.C. can be the economic engine of a more independent Canadian economy. Creating an attractive environment for clean energy investment is essential to achieving this leadership role.   

“As B.C. navigates this challenging period, leaning into our competitive advantage of affordable clean electricity will be critical,” said Jack Magnus, Director of Engagement and Operations. “CEBC applauds Budget 2026’s recommitment to regular calls for power and the signal that the next call is anticipated in 2028. Proactive energy procurement planning is critical to providing certainty and attracting billions in clean investment, which we need to power a growing economy.” 

As B.C. expands its clean energy portfolio, maintaining cost competitiveness is critical to ensuring affordable rates and attracting investment. CEBC encourages government to carefully assess the cumulative impact of new tax measures from Budget 2026 – including the expansion of PST to engineering and other professional services – on renewable project development costs and electricity affordability. Early-stage development is particularly sensitive to cost increases, and higher input costs ultimately flow through to ratepayers and industrial customers. Aligning tax policy with infrastructure expansion objectives will help preserve B.C.’s advantage in attracting private capital and delivering cost-effective power to growing industries such as mining, manufacturing, and data centres. 

In addition to the reassuring signal on future calls for power, CEBC is encouraged by several commitments from Budget 2026 and associated Service Plans: 

  • Implementing the $1 Billion First Nations Equity Financing Program by Spring 2026: CEBC is pleased to see the transition of the First Nations Equity Financing Program into into active implementation under the Ministry of Finance. We applaud the target for a full program rollout in Spring 2026, providing a path to equity ownership through loan guarantees and the special account. This timely activation is critical to supporting Indigenous partnerships in current and future calls for power. 
  • Funding the Skilled Trades for a Clean Energy Future: CEBC applauds Budget 2026’s $283 million in new funding over three years to expand skilled trades training. Doubling apprenticeship seats by 2028-29 is vital to ensuring we have the specialized workforce required to build out B.C.’s renewable generation and transmission infrastructure. 
  • Modernized Permitting and Regulatory Balance: Budget 2026’s $40 million investment over three years to reduce permitting barriers directly supports CEBC’s shared work with the British Columbia Energy Regulator (BCER) to responsibly streamline renewable project permitting while upholding our world-class environmental standards and respecting Indigenous Rights and Title. CEBC will continue to provide technical expertise and feedback as the new one-window framework is developed. 
  • Investing in the Grid: CEBC applauds the Province’s renewed focus on grid modernization. Sustained investment in transmission and distribution infrastructure is critical to unlocking B.C.’s renewable energy resources and driving adoption of clean technologies across the Province. Grid modernization must also include improvements to transmission capacity, interconnection timelines, and cost transparency. 
  • Aligning on Nation-Building Projects: The new $400-million strategic investment fund is a significant opportunity to attract collaborative investments in nation-building projects. These include the priority renewable energy and transmission projects identified under B.C.’s Look West Strategy, which are essential to Canada’s economic sovereignty. 

To further bolster B.C.’s economic position and lay the foundation for sustainable growth, CEBC recommends that the Province: 

  • Establish a long-term Renewable Procurement Roadmap to provide investment certainty and prevent cyclical slowdowns. 
  • Exempt PST on critical clean energy and transmission infrastructure, including associated engineering and professional services, to maintain electricity affordability and investment competitiveness. 
  • Expedite and prioritize implementation of the First Nations Equity Financing Program for clean energy and grid infrastructure projects. 
  • Advance transmission planning and interconnection reforms to reduce connection delays and unlock regional renewable potential. 
  • Prioritize implementation of Distributed Energy Resource (DER) recommendations, including solar, battery, and microgrid deployment across communities and remote regions, supported by regulatory clarity and appropriate rate design. 

As the Province focuses on fiscal discipline, the clean energy sector stands ready to deliver the private capital and sustainable jobs needed to fuel B.C.’s growth. CEBC looks forward to continued collaboration with the Province, First Nations, and BC Hydro to build a strong, electrified economy. 

Media Contact: Jack Magnus, Director of Engagement and Operations (jackmagnus@cleanenergybc.org)