BC Hydro wants to increase BC’s clean energy supply by launching two new initiatives.

Hydro announced this morning they have launched two requests for expressions of interest (RFEOI), which are steps allowing Hydro to get information from potential suppliers. The requests would be used to explore how they can expand energy resources and advance energy efficiency.

The goal is to ensure a more stable and reliable system for electricity that supports new housing, businesses, and keeps energy costs affordable.

The province says the first RFEOI will be about capacity to meet peak electricity demand.

“BC Hydro is seeking ideas on capacity and baseload energy projects, including geothermal, pumped storage and hydroelectric resources,” said the province.

“Capacity and baseload projects can reliably deliver firm power and provide backup for intermittent energy projects, such as wind and solar that rely on external, uncontrollable conditions such as the wind blowing or the sun shining to deliver power.”

They say the second RFEOI will look at innovating in energy efficiency by finding partners able to deliver technologies that can save energy in homes and buildings.

Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix says with these requests, they have a big opportunity to lead the world in clean energy.

The province adds once Hydro gets all the information needed from both RFEOIs, it’ll be used to guide future planning and strategies.

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