FortisBC is taking another step toward securing more electricity for customers in the Southern Interior.
The utility announced plans to launch a call for power later this year, focusing on wind energy projects with Indigenous partnerships to meet growing demand and support economic development.
The new call comes as part of FortisBC鈥檚 long-term strategy to increase power generation across the region and follows its 2024 Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI). That request drew more than 80 submissions from developers across B.C.
FortisBC says it will invite selected participants from last year鈥檚 RFEOI to submit proposals that align with two main priorities鈥攕trong Indigenous equity ownership and winter-ready energy generation.
鈥淭his call for power is an important step in delivering safe, reliable and affordable energy driving economic development and strengthening communities for the future,鈥� Joe Mazza, vice president of energy supply and resource development at FortisBC, said in a media release.
Projects will be required to include a minimum of 25 per cent Indigenous equity ownership and detailed Indigenous participation plans. The company says this is part of its commitment to economic reconciliation.
FortisBC is also specifically targeting wind projects that can connect directly to its Southern Interior power grid and deliver energy during peak winter months when demand for electricity is at its highest.
Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, called this 鈥済reat news鈥� for B.C., adding it will boost clean energy, support economic growth, create jobs, and open up opportunities for Indigenous communities, especially through wind projects in the Okanagan.
New B.C. legislation streamlines approvals for renewable energy projects by creating a process through the BC Energy Regulator, aiming to speed up development while upholding environmental standards.
The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) also praised the move.
Executive Director, Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, said it strengthens the power grid, supports Indigenous ownership, and helps meet rising demand while creating local jobs and advancing reconciliation in B.C.
The British Columbia Utilities Commission recently approved FortisBC鈥檚 plan to spend $133 million by 2027 on projects such as upgrading substations in 麻豆精选, Kaleden, Christina Lake and several other communities, as well as enhancing transmission lines in the South Okanagan.
More information on the project can be found on the .