VICTORIA—Evan Pivnick, clean energy program manager at Clean Energy Canada, made the following statement in response to new legislation to be introduced to accelerate renewable energy projects in B.C.
“Yesterday’s announcement that renewable energy projects are proposed to be moving under the authority of the BC Energy Regulator is good news and a critical step by the government to help accelerate the build-out of clean, low-cost power. The regulator has a track record of efficiently supporting projects through important regulatory processes, and few projects are more crucial at this moment than those that support the cost-effective build-out of new clean energy supply.
“Demand for clean electricity is growing, whether from industries making new investments in B.C., existing projects looking to benefit from secure, low-cost clean electricity, or households hoping to reduce their energy bills through EVs and heat pumps. While there is no silver bullet to streamline clean energy projects, the path this government has embarked on to establish a one-window permitting process is a significant step in the right direction.
“Going forward, it will be essential that the BC Energy Regulator has dedicated resources and personnel specifically to support the advancement of renewable generation projects. Furthermore, the government should continue to explore additional ways to accelerate clean energy project timelines, including through the interconnection process and working proactively to ensure B.C.’s workforce has the skills and capacity to take on these projects.”
