Permit Connect B.C. - Electrification
Last updated on March 13, 2025
This page provides information to guide Independent Power Projects through the permitting process. It also outlines how to access other provincial government services that support Clean Energy projects in B.C.
The B.C. government has announced new legislation to come in spring 2025 allowing the regulation of renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar, to move under the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER). BCER will also regulate the construction of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects.
Until that transition to the BCER is made, this page outlines the current information needed for electrification permitting.
On this page
- Provincial guidance materials
- First Nations engagement
- B.C. government permitting
- Environmental Assessment Office
- Clean Energy Major Projects Office (CEMPO)
- Permits for existing infrastructure - BC Hydro Capital Plan
Provincial guidance materials
The B.C. government has developed the following materials to guide the development of Independent Power Projects in B.C.:
- Clean Energy Project Development Plan Information Requirements (PDF, 932KB)
- Clean Energy Production in B.C. (PDF, 4MB)
First Nations engagement
While the B.C. government is responsible for consulting with First Nations, you are encouraged to engage with First Nations as early as possible in your planning process. This can help build relationships, share information and provide greater clarity and timeliness to your project.
- Learn more about consulting with First Nations
- Find contacts for First Nation Consultation Areas (interactive map)
B.C. government permitting
Clean Energy Projects, otherwise called Independent Power Projects (IPPs) require a variety of provincial permits.
Learn more in this section about the provincial permits commonly required for IPPs.
Archaeology
Archaeological sites are protected. They can only be altered with a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch.
Forests
You may need provincial permits to cut down or remove timber from Crown land or private land. Learn more about:
Land use
There are specific documents that reference clean energy projects under the Land Act that may be relevant:
- Land Act Waterpower Policy (PDF, 342KB)
- Land Act Wind Power Policy (PDF, 302KB)
- Land Procedure - Acoustic Assessments for Wind Power Projects (PDF, 250KB)
To learn more about this Land Use program area, and application requirements, visit:
Further Land Use requirements:
Mines
You require Land Act tenure for use and occupation of the land if you plan to extract sand and gravel material on Crown land. Learn more about:
You require a Mine’s Act Permit for any mining activities if you plan to extract sand and gravel material, or minerals, on Crown land or private land. Learn more about :
Roads and highways
You need a permit from the B.C. government for use of roads on Crown land. Learn more about:
You need permits from the B.C. government for construction or modification work on or along a provincial highway. Learn more about:
Water
You need permits to divert, use or store water from a natural source such as a lake, stream, river or aquifer. Learn more about:
- New Water Licences
- Short-term use approvals (for up to 2 years)
You also need permits for construction work near water sources. Learn more about:
Wildlife
You need a permit for various wildlife-related activities. For more information visit the Natural Resources Online Service - list of activities.
BC Parks and Recreation Sites and Trails
You need a permit if you are operating within a provincial park or crossing over/through an established recreation site or trail. Learn more about:
Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)
You need to an approval from the Agricultural Land Commission if your application area falls within the ALR. For more information on the ALC, and application types visit the ALC website.
Environmental Assessment Office
Some clean energy projects may require an Environmental Assessment Certificate through the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) prior to applying for natural resource provincial permits.
To access information related to the Environmental Assessment Office and processes please visit:
Clean Energy Major Projects Office (CEMPO)
Formed in May 2023, the Clean Energy and Major Projects Office (CEMPO) is the primary government liaison for provincial matters related to clean energy and major projects, with responsibility for project management, coordinating inside and outside government to ensure that projects are meeting the province’s priorities and objectives. For matters not relating to permitting, project proponents can engage with the CEMPO as early as the conceptual stage of their project. For permitting matters and regulatory coordination, the Permit Connect Navigator Service (PCNS) is the first point of contact. There will be a need to connect with other ministries and regulators as well, particularly with regards to permitting as CEMPO is not a permitting body, but the CEMPO can provide guidance through each phase of a project lifecycle.
The intent is for all Clean Energy projects in B.C. to work with CEMPO.
To access information related to the Clean Energy Major Projects Office please visit:
Permits for existing infrastructure - BC Hydro Capital Plan
Modernizing and upgrading existing electrical infrastructure as part of BC Hydro’s Capital plan may require additional natural resource provincial permits.
- To learn more about this plan visit BC Hydro Capital Plan
- For provincial permitting related to BC Hydro Capital Project visit Natural Resource Online Services
Contact information
The Permit Connect Navigator Service has dedicated staff to help you with any questions related to your Independent Power Project.
Contact the navigator service: