BC Hydro selects three Peace projects from 2025 Call for Power

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro has picked three projects from the Peace region as part of its 2025 Call for Power.

In a press release on January 21st, BC Hydro said a total of 14 projects from independent power producers across the province were selected.

The projects selected in the Peace River region were Taylor South Wind, Sweetwater Wind and Bessie Wind.

A key requirement of the 2025 call is First Nations equity participation, with every project including a minimum 25 per cent ownership stake for Indigenous partners.

Altogether, BC Hydro said the 14 province-wide submissions would generate more than 9,100 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, nearly double the 5,000 gigawatts the utility was seeking.

The proposals are part of the province’s push to expand clean and renewable electricity to support population growth and industry as part of the utility’s 2021 Integrated Resource Plan.

“Clean electricity is the backbone of B.C.’s economy,” said Adrian Dix, B.C.’s energy and climate solutions minister.

“By partnering with First Nations and industry, we’re not just delivering power – we’re driving sustainable growth, creating thousands of jobs and building the infrastructure that will keep our province competitive for decades to come.”

Most of the projects submitted province-wide are wind developments, with one solar proposal.

According to BC Hydro, 2024’s Call for Power secured 10 agreements for clean projects capable of powering about 500,000 homes. 

The utility said this year’s proposals could generate enough electricity for roughly 900,000 homes annually.

BC Hydro president and CEO Charlotte Mitha said the response shows strong confidence in B.C.’s clean energy sector.

“The level of interest that we’ve received shows that B.C. is ready to lead the next wave of clean-energy development,” Mitha said. 

“These projects will play a key role in delivering the reliable, affordable and clean electricity our province needs.”

BC Hydro will now evaluate the proposals, with electricity-purchase agreements expected to be awarded in the coming months.

If approved, projects – including those in the Peace region – could begin coming online as early as 2031, with all developments in service by 2033.

All projects selected as part of the 2025 Call for Power can be viewed on BC Hydro’s website.