DATE ISSUED: Sept. 22, 2026
EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) has published an updated version of the Draft Interim Guidance for Renewable Energy Permit Applications (“interim guidance”) to reflect regulatory and policy developments and respond to feedback received from First Nations and other interested parties. The updated interim guidance supports the BCER’s ongoing work to improve regulatory effectiveness, enable timely permitting decisions and advance British Columbia’s transition to low-carbon energy.

Key updates include revisions to align the interim guidance with:

1. The Renewable Energy Projects Regulation, which took effect in March 2026.
2. The Cumulative Effects Framework (CEF) Guidance released by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS) in May 2026, including the CEF User Guides and Assessment Portal.

The BCER’s interim guidance remains the primary source of direction for renewable energy applicants and is intended to be used alongside the CEF Guidance. The BCER will continue to collaborate with WLRS to support coordinated guidance related to cumulative effects in renewable energy project applications.

The BCER is developing final guidance to replace this interim version and will engage with First Nations and other interested parties as part of that process.

The BCER remains committed to improving the clarity and efficiency of its regulatory processes and providing robust oversight across the life cycle of energy resource activities.

If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact: regulatoryaffairs@bc-er.ca

For media inquiries please contact: communications@bc-er.ca