Important updates to systems, processes and documentation related to the BCER's expanded mandate to include renewable energy activities.
DATE ISSUED: Nov. 7, 2025
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately
The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is implementing several updates to its systems, processes and documentation to further enhance permitting efficiency and transparency. These improvements offer greater clarity for both oil and gas, as well as renewable energy operators, outlining procedural changes and providing guidance when using the Application Management System, especially in light of the BCER’s expanded mandate to include renewable energy activities.
The BCER remains committed to the ongoing improvements of its regulatory processes and user experience, striving to demonstrate regulatory excellence through the entire life cycle of energy resource activities.
While these changes primarily apply to Renewable Energy and Prescribed Transmission Line proponents, there are some changes for other energy operators to be aware of.
Changes for all proponents:
- The Oil and Gas Activity Application Manual and the Oil and Gas Activity Operations Manual have been renamed the Energy Resource Activity Application Manual and Energy Resource Activity Operations Manual. All existing links and bookmarks will now point to the renamed documents.
- The Rights Holder Engagement (RHE) line list in the Application Management System (AMS) has been updated to reflect changes for the new prescribed transmission line activity types. Applicants who are submitting applications on or after Nov. 6, 2025, should complete and upload the newest version of the RHE line list in their application. The updated RHE line list can be found in the supporting documents section of Chapter 6 of the Energy Resource Activity Application Manual.
Changes for Renewable Energy and Prescribed Transmission Line Proponents:
- A chapter has been added to the Energy Resource Activity Application Manual, describing the processes and requirements for Prescribed Transmission Lines. As this is a new addition to this manual, proponents are encouraged to read it in full.
- A Prescribed Transmission Line application type has been added to the Application Management System (AMS). The updates are available on the “Create Application” page of the AMS and requires the use of a new spatial template when applying. Note a new spatial template must be used to define the affected area(s). This new template and related standards can be found in the AMS Spatial section of the AMS page of the BCER website and within the AMS.
- Updates have been made to the Application Management System (AMS) Manual and the AMS Spatial Data Submission to support the changes to the Wildlife Act application type in AMS described in Technical Update 2025-15.
- Interim application guidance for investigative use licence applications for wind and solar energy has been added to the BCER website and can be found on this page.
- Guidance that sets out the BCER’s approach for adjudicating investigative use licence applications for wind projects, including the treatment of overlapping applications, has been added to the BCER website on this page.
All other application types, including oil and gas activities, must continue to follow existing guidance.
If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:
Adam Kamp (AMS and Transmission Lines)
Director, Application Support and Enhancement
BC Energy Regulator
Adam.Kamp@bc-er.ca
Audrey Linville (Investigative Use applications for wind and solar)
Energy Project Assessment Lead
BC Energy Regulator
Audrey.Linville@bc-er.ca