Canadian electricity utility British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) has launched its 2025 call for power. It seeks up to 5,000 GWh of clean and renewable electricity annually, including wind and solar – enough to power 500,000 homes. It said that this move aims to support the province’s growing population and industries.  

The volume of clean energy required may be revised during the request for proposals (RFP) process. BC Hydro worked with the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) to design the procurement process.

Eligible clean or renewable energy projects include those with a minimum 40 MW installed capacity that can become operational by October 1, 2033. The winning projects must have a minimum of 25% equity ownership held by First Nations. 

Working with First Nations and advancing economic reconciliation is a priority for the 2025 call. It explains that proposals with more than 25% First Nations ownership or proof of community economic benefits may get a price credit during evaluation. This makes them look more cost-effective, but it doesn't change the actual price paid under the energy contract.

Selected projects may be financed by the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) through an investment tax credit bridge loan at the project level and a loan to finance First Nations equity participation.

Voluntary procurement of Canadian-origin goods and services will fetch a bonus payment as a reward. 

As the prime energy supplier to 95% of the provincial population in British Columbia, BC Hydro says that this call will secure new energy resources for the utility as it seeks cost-effective options to meet new demand, while maintaining the affordability of electricity. This will also help it reduce GHG emissions through clean and efficient electrification.  

The utility issued request for proposals (RFP) documents on July 28, 2025, fixing January 5, 2026 as the last date for submission. Details of the tender are available on BC Hydro’s website. BC Hydro targets a timeline of early 2026 to award Electricity Purchase Agreements (EPA) to the selected projects.

This is the utility’s 2nd call for power following its 1st call for power in 15 years in 2024. For the last call, it selected 10 new renewable energy projects that are expected to generate up to CAD 6 billion in private investment, and deliver power at prices 40% lower than BC Hydro’s last clean-power process in 2010, after adjusting for inflation.

Launched as part of its Clean Power Action Plan, BC Hydro plans to issue similar calls every 2 years.

BC Hydro’s call follows Newfoundland & Labrador Hydro’s REFI under its 2024 Resource Adequacy Plan (see Canadian Utility Seeks 150 MW, 500 GWh To Meet Demand).