2018 comprehensive review of BC Hydro

BC Hydro office building.

— Photo courtesy BC Hydro - Corporate

To contain rate increases, control costs and position BC Hydro for future success, the B.C. government has launched a comprehensive, two-phased review of BC Hydro.

Phase 1

In the first phase of the review government is working with BC Hydro to identify cost savings, efficiencies, new revenue streams and other changes to keep electricity rates low and predictable over the long-term, while ensuring BC Hydro has the resources it needs to continue to provide clean, safe and reliable electricity.

An advisory group consisting of staff from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, the Ministry of Finance and BC Hydro will perform the first phase of the review.

Government expects recommendations from the first phase of the review this summer to inform a refreshed rates plan and assist BC Hydro in preparing its next rates application to be filed with the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) in February 2019. A report on the first phase of the review, and Government’s response, will be released in the fall of 2018.

For more information read the 2018 Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro  Phase 1 – Terms of Reference (PDF, 284KB).

Phase 2

In the second phase of the review, starting in late 2018, the Province will establish an expert panel to provide recommendations to ensure BC Hydro is well positioned to maximize opportunities flowing from shifts taking place in the global and regional energy sectors, technological changes, and climate action.

The second phase of the review will be informed by new government strategies including an energy roadmap for the future of B.C. energy and a new climate action strategy. Terms of reference for this second phase, including the make-up of the expert panel, will be finalized after the first phase of the review has been completed. It is anticipated that the panel would deliver its recommendations to government by summer/fall of 2019. 

Related articles

Close up of lithium being poured from one gloved hand to another.
Energy, Mines, Technology, Alberta New tech aims to extract lithium from oilfield waste

The demand for lithium, used for electric car batteries, is growing exponentially. New green technology could help extract the mineral from oilfield waste

by Julie Matchett
Chief Russell Myers Ross, vice-chair of the Tsilhqot'in National Government, stands in front of the Nation's new solar farm.
Energy, First Nations, British Columbia New solar farm completed by Tŝilhqot’in Nation expected to generate $175,000 in revenue

The 1.25-MW facility, located near Williams Lake, is the largest of its kind in British Columbia

by Julie Matchett
Nerva Energy's Joshua Lewis accepting his International Energy Innovator of the Year award.
Energy, Global International Energy Innovator of the Year awarded to Canada’s Joshua Lewis of Nerva Energy

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) is the leading international awards organization honouring excellence in engineering management and projects

View all articles