The Renewable Energy Projects (Streamlined Permitting) Act was passed by the BC legislature in May 2025 and came into force on July 1, 2025. It expands the authority of the BCER to oversee natural resource authorizations for prescribed transmission lines. Through the Act, the BCER authorizes activities under Energy Resource Activities Act (ERAA) specified enactments for land, water, forests and heritage conservation, and through delegations of authority for wildlife and aggregate mining authorizations. Further, the legislation expands the one-window approach by extending the BCER’s authority over agricultural land to prescribed transmission line projects.

The Act helps simplify the approvals process for these projects, eliminating the need for cross-ministry and agency permitting, by establishing the BCER as the single window for regulatory oversight and Crown consultation in accordance with strict environmental standards.

The BCER’s initial focus will be on the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project and associated lines.

As the single-window regulator, BCER is committed to streamlining the permitting process for transmission line projects. This provides a more efficient pathway for decisions while maintaining robust regulatory standards.

For more specific information about regulating transmission lines please visit the Regulatory Update page