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B.C. Output-Based Pricing System

Last updated on March 18, 2026

The B.C. Output-Based Pricing System (B.C. OBPS) is a mandatory carbon pricing program for large industrial operations in British Columbia.

Access the B.C. Industrial Emissions Reporting System: Launch BCIERS

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What is the B.C. OBPS?

On April 1, 2024, the B.C. Output-Based Pricing System (B.C. OBPS) became the mandatory carbon pricing system for large industry.

The B.C. OBPS uses a performance-based approach to encourage industries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while staying competitive.

Key features

  • Annual assessment against an emissions limit
  • Facilities below their limit earn credits
  • Facilities above their limit must meet compliance requirements 
  • Flexible compliance options, including: 
    • Use credits they earned
    • Buy B.C. offset units
    • Make direct payments

The system supports emissions reductions through flexibility and stricter limits over time.

Who is eligible

  • Some facilities are required to report emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA). The Act defines these as reporting operations
  • Those participating in the OBPS are regulated operations and have compliance obligations
  • Eligible operations must register in the B.C. Industrial Emissions Reporting System (BCIERS). They use this system to report emissions and meet compliance requirements

Register your operation: Access BCIERS

See the following webpages for more information: 

Key dates

January 1: Compliance period begins

May 31: Reporting deadline for the previous year’s compliance period

November 1: Invoices issued to operators that owe a compliance obligation

November 30: Deadline to meet compliance obligation for the previous year’s compliance period

December 31: Compliance period ends

Metal prices

Operators will use the prices below to calculate the production value of each metal ore. The prices are a critical component in determining an operation’s primary metal under the B.C. OBPS.

2025 Metal prices
Primary Metal Average price (2022–2024) Units Currency
Copper 4.00 lb USD
Gold 2,044.51 oz t USD
Silver 24.48 oz t USD
Molybdenum 21.35 lb USD
Lead 0.96 lb USD
Zinc 1.35 lb USD

To access additional resources, see related links:

  • B.C. OBPS Program and Reporting Guidance (2025 version coming soon)
  • B.C. OBPS Annual Calculator  (2025 version coming soon)
  • B.C. OBPS Allocation Calculator (2025 version coming soon)
  • B.C. Carbon Registry
  • B.C's Offset Protocol Policy

Contact information

For any questions or comments relating to the B.C. OBPS reach out to


GHGRegulator@gov.bc.ca