FortisBC Plans Indigenous Wind Power Call for Southern Interior

FortisBC plans to launch an invitation-only call for power later in 2025 as a follow-up to its 2024 Request for Expressions of Interest, aiming to increase electricity generation in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. The call will focus primarily on wind energy projects that can deliver power during peak winter months and require a minimum of 25% Indigenous equity ownership, emphasizing economic reconciliation and long-term Indigenous participation. This initiative is part of FortisBC's strategy to add up to 1,100 gigawatt hours of lower carbon and renewable energy supply by 2030 to meet growing demand from approximately 190,000 customers. The company has received more than 80 submissions representing about 20,000 GWh of electricity from the RFEOI process. Provincial legislation has recently been passed to streamline approvals for renewable projects, potentially accelerating development while maintaining environmental standards. FortisBC and government officials highlight the effort’s benefits for clean energy expansion, economic growth, job creation, and Indigenous community opportunities in the region.