Vancouver, B.C., – November 10, 2025 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) is pleased to see its key priorities reflected in the Independent CleanBC Review Report published yesterday. The report’s recommendations, thoughtfully developed by reviewers Dan Woynillowicz and Merran Smith, closely align with CEBC’s recent advocacy and the recommendations advanced by CEBC in partnership with the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) in our joint submission to the CleanBC Review in August 2025. We also applaud the report’s emphasis on renewables as the most affordable source of new generation globally. This transition is underscored as a massive economic opportunity with the potential for tens of thousands of jobs and billions in investment flowing to BC through successful, well-designed Calls for Power.

Specifically, CEBC is encouraged to see the following recommendations for the Government of BC:

  • Work with BC Hydro and FortisBC to develop and track progress against utility electrification targets for residential, commercial and industrial customer groups that increase steadily to 2030 and to 2035. These targets should guide rate design offerings, capital planning in transmission, storage and distribution, and the scale and cadence of additional clean electricity and capacity procurement over the next decade as well as onto a trajectory to achieve net zero by 2050.
  • Review and amend, as necessary, the Utilities Commission Act to (i) ensure BCUC decisions are consistent with CleanBC policies and targets, (ii) empower BCUC to allow electric utilities to acquire additional energy, capacity and transmission more proactively, and (iii) enable the BCUC to consider and implement low income or income-based rates for energy utility customers.
  • Establish recurring three-year targets for steadily increasing the share of electricity in BC’s overall energy use and report annually on progress. The Review also recommends considering targets and tracking by sector or sub-sector and directing BC Hydro to incorporate these targets in its service plan.
  • Renew and sustain support for the existing BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative streams while continuing to support diesel reduction in remote First Nation communities through a feasible diesel reduction target for 2030 that will drive investment in clean and renewable alternatives.
  • Establish and resource a one-window BC First Nations Climate Action Fund to support First Nations-led planning, capacity building and action.
  • Align labour market outlooks with workforce development plans and provide sufficient support for associated training requirements with particular attention to renewable energy.
  • Work with BC Hydro to undertake and publish analyses of the potential future role of batteries (short and long duration), nuclear technology, offshore wind, pumped storage, and deep geothermal in BC’s electricity system, considering dispatchability, costs, risks, safety and reliability.
  • Work with BC Hydro, FortisBC and the BCUC to undertake a distributed energy resource potential study, followed by a roadmap and implementation plan.

CEBC will continue to work closely with the Province, regulators, and our members including First Nations and industry to ensure progress is made on these recommendations. Together, we will take meaningful action to improve alignment between our energy, industrial and climate planning. This will bring much-needed certainty on the future of clean energy procurement in BC and further strengthen opportunities for First Nations and industry to partner to ensure our grid remains the clean and reliable backbone of our growing industries and communities.

CEBC looks forward to welcoming Dan and Merran to the stage at our 2025 First Nations Energy Summit, taking place December 8–9 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver on the traditional, unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, to discuss the CleanBC Report. This will be an important opportunity to hear directly from the CleanBC Review team and participate in meaningful audience discussion.

This year’s Summit, guided by the theme “Transforming Communities: Empowering Indigenous Leadership for a Sustainable Energy Future,” will feature two days of high-impact plenary sessions, insightful panels, and networking with nearly one hundred Nations, along with industry leaders, BC Hydro, the BC Energy Regulator, government representatives, and leading companies.

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/Hqzm50WX8j8

About Clean Energy Association of British Columbia

Clean Energy Association of British Columbia represents over 200 members, including leading clean energy companies, First Nations, service providers and academic institutions contributing to British Columbia’s renewable energy industry. CEBC’s mission is to support BC’s transition to low-carbon energy through the development of effective climate policy and clean energy electrification.

For further information, please contact:  

Jack Magnus

Director of Engagement & Operations

jackmagnus@cleanenergybc.org