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Residential Electricity

Last updated on November 15, 2021

British Columbia generates most of its electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water, a clean and renewable source. The rest comes from forest biomass, wind, natural gas, solar, and landfill gas.

Guiding Documents and Legislation

The Province is responsible for legislation, policies and programs to generate and transmit power that is reliable, cost effective and clean or renewable.

Electric utilities in British Columbia are regulated by the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) under the Utilities Commission Act.

The Clean Energy Act defines clean and renewable sources of energy, and sets an objective to have at least 93% of the electricity generated in British Columbia come from clean or renewable resources. 

Under the Hydro and Power Authority Act, BC Hydro has the authority to generate and distribute electricity to consumers, businesses, and the other utilities in B.C.

Government recently undertook a Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro in order to keep rates affordable and ensure BC Hydro can support the Province's CleanBC plan.

  • Read more about Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro
  • Read more about Phase 2 of the Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro

Fuel Switching

Clean BC is encouraging residents to explore energy programs and make the switch to electric power in their homes and vehicles.

 

 

BC Hydro and FortisBC are the two largest utilities providing services to B.C. residents, and are regulated by the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC).

Although BC Hydro and FortisBC are the main public utilities in B.C., there are five B.C. municipalities that have their own utilities, and sell electricity directly to their customers.