“Canada: First Nations Participation In BC Clean Energy: Update On BC Hydro's Call For Power”, 15 December 2023

On June 15, 2023, BC Hydro released the Call for Power to address significant resource shortfalls identified in its updated 2021 Integrated Resource Plan ("IRP")…

In its updated 2021 IRP, BC Hydro specifically committed to engaging First Nations and stakeholders on the design of a competitive energy acquisition process with a particular focus on how to include a role for First Nations ownership in all projects…

The RFP [Request For Proposal] terms include 25% First Nations ownership as an eligibility criterion.

For comparison…SaskPower is requiring only 10% minimum participation but will provide evaluation points for additional equity ownership up to 51%.

Overall, both BC Hydro and SaskPower have adopted an "Equity Plus" First Nation participation model, but there are some key differences…. In particular, we hope to see better guidance around community benefits including minimum parameters for a letter of support from First Nations (e.g., minimum Indigenous employment and training requirements or other community capacity-building investment) and for this to become a mandatory requirement.