PRRD hopes to bring concerns over future of wind energy regulation to province

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Peace River Regional District (PRRD) has requested a meeting with the province to discuss wind energy regulations. 

During the January 8th meeting, the PRRD board of directors voted to request a meeting with Adrian Dix, the B.C. minister of energy and climate solutions, about the future of regulations around wind energy projects and transmission lines. 

The board voted to book the meeting either at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum in Prince George from January 20th to January 22nd or after. 

Brad Sperling, board chair and director of Electoral Area C, stated the board needed to see the final regulations being developed by the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to understand the future of wind energy in the region. 

The board has received notice about five wind energy projects in the four months since the 2025 Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

The board has been vocal about its concerns around wind energy in the region since January 2025, meeting with the Agricultural Land Commission and the BCER to request information regarding green energy permitting.

In November 2025, the BCER shared its proposed regulatory framework plans for green energy permitting, which it was given by the province after the passing of the Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act, or Bill 14, in April 2025.

“[The BCER’s] statement of cumulative effects on wind farms doesn’t do enough, [it] just says it’s up to the proponent to do it, but doesn’t say what they’re supposed to [do],” Sperling said. 

Specifically, the board seeks to request improvements to processes for clearer, timely consultations on wind energy projects during the meeting.