The Ministry of Energy and Climate Solutions is partnering with Clean Energy BC, the University of Victoria’s Accelerating Community Energy Transformation, and First Nations partners to explore viable models of First Nations utilities.
First Nations Utility Study
First Nations have expressed a clear interest in becoming more involved in the energy utility sector to advance energy self-reliance and economic self-determination. Through collaborative partnership, the Ministry is commencing work to jointly develop recommendations for a proposed regulatory framework for energy utilities that are owned or operated by a First Nation.
Through an Expression of Interest (EOI) released December 2024, First Nations were invited to partner in a study led by the University of Victoria’s research initiative Accelerating Community Energy Transformation (ACET). The study will provide insights on the financial viability of owning or operating a utility that provides energy products or services. Information provided by First Nations in response to the EOI and the study findings regarding financial viability will inform future engagement between the Province and First Nations, and provide important context for developing recommendations on the regulation of potential future First Nations utilities.
Background Documents
Utilities Backgrounder
Learn about the current regulation of public utilities and the history of First Nations Utilities.
BCUC Indigenous Utilities Regulation Inquiry
Read about the Indigenous Utilities Inquiry on the BC Utilities Commission website.
Request for Expressions of Interest
Read about the intent for the Expression of Interest and the study on financial viability.
Expression of Interest Response Form
Download this form to fill and submit an Expression of Interest for participation in a study on First Nations Utilities.
Information Session: First Nations Utilities
A virtual information session was held on January 29th, 2025 to answer questions on the request for expressions of interest (EOI) for First Nations Utilities. The information session provided:
- Background on current utility regulation;
- An overview of the EOI and related study;
- Considerations for developing a utility; and
- An opportunity to ask questions.
