STATEMENT: CanREA congratulates re-elected BC government 

CanREA eager to work with new NDP government in British Columbia after October 2024 election. 

Vancouver, British Columbia, October 28, 2024—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates David Eby and the B.C. NDP for their re-election in British Columbia. 

“CanREA looks forward to working closely with the government of British Columbia on clean-energy initiatives in the province. We are particularly excited about BC’s Powering Our Future clean energy strategy and its support for Indigenous participation in current and future procurement competitions,” said Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Vice President of Policy–Western Canada and National Affairs.

The party has already committed to a suite of clean-energy proposals to double electricity generation by 2050 to meet growing demand by embracing clean, affordable and reliable sources of energy, like wind and solar. These include working with First Nations and communities to transform BC’s economy as part the energy transition, finding regulatory efficiencies that streamline the permitting and construction of new clean-energy infrastructure and renewable power projects and upgrading BC’s power transmission grid. 

This government has also committed to growing new sources of made-in-BC clean energy by issuing competitive calls for power every two years. In 2024, BC Hydro put out its first call for power in 15 years, resulting in 21 proposals (15 wind, four solar, one hydro and one biomass), totaling 9,000 GWh/year, for more than $3 billion in new investment in the province. The resulting Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will be awarded in December 2024, with in-service dates planned for fall 2028.  

“British Columbia is an exciting place for renewable energy and energy storage right now. CanREA members are already active in BC and look forward to increased participation through competitive procurements every two years, as called for in BC’s Clean Energy Strategy. BC Hydro’s proposed rebates on residential solar panels and battery energy storage systems will also drive growth in distributed energy resources (DERs) in the province.” said Vittoria Bellissimo, CanREA’s President and CEO. 

To help strengthen its engagement in the region, CanREA recently launched a new BC Network and Steering Committee, aimed at enhancing collaboration and innovation with members and allies in the renewable energy sector across British Columbia. For more information on eligibility, contact CanREA’s member team.

Quotes

“British Columbia is an exciting place for renewable energy and energy storage right now. CanREA members are already active in BC and look forward to increased participation through competitive procurements every two years, as called for in BC’s Clean Energy Strategy. BC Hydro’s proposed rebates on residential solar panels and battery energy storage systems will also drive growth in distributed energy resources (DERs) in the province.”   

—Vittoria Bellissimo, President and CEO, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

“CanREA looks forward to working closely with the government of British Columbia on clean-energy initiatives in the province. We are particularly excited about BC’s Powering Our Future clean energy strategy and its support for Indigenous participation in current and future procurement competitions.” 

—Evan Wilson, CanREA’s Vice President of Policy–Western Canada and National Affairs 

For interview opportunities, please contact: 

Michaela Ianni, Communications Specialist 
Canadian Renewable Energy Association 
communications@renewablesassociation.ca 

About CanREA  

The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on Twitter/X and LinkedIn. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.