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Permit Connect B.C. - Electrification

Last updated on July 4, 2025

Electrification grid

This page provides information to guide Independent Power Projects (IPPs) 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 announced new legislation allowing the regulation of renewable energy projects to move under the authority of the BC Energy Regulator (BCER). 

 As of July 1, 2025, the BCER will be the primary authority for all wind and solar projects as well as the North Coast Transmission Line. All new applications associated with these projects must be directed to the BCER. 

Provincial natural resource ministries will continue as the primary regulatory authority for other forms of Clean Energy such as biomass and hydropower.

This page outlines the current information needed for electrification permitting and will be updated regularly. 

On this page

Provincial guidance materials

The B.C. government has developed the following materials to guide the development of Independent Power Projects in B.C. These documents remain in draft form until they can be modified to adapt to the BCER regulating wind and solar projects:

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.

B.C. government permitting

Clean Energy Projects, otherwise called Independent Power Projects (IPPs) require a variety of provincial permits. Note that wind and solar projects have transitioned to the BCER.  

Learn more in this section about the provincial permits commonly required for IPPs.

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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:

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:

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 (ALC) 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.

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: 

Office
1-844-687-4644

navigator.service@gov.bc.ca