Premier David Eby Directs $145 Million for BC Indigenous Clean Energy Equity Partnerships

VICTORIA, B.C. — British Columbia Premier David Eby and Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne announced on Monday the distribution of $145 million in provincial capital funding to formally establish the British Columbia Indigenous Clean Energy Equity Loan Guarantee Program and expand the Clean Energy Major Projects Office.

The initiative, co-developed with the BC First Nations Energy and Mining Council, provides sovereign loan guarantees and non-dilutive equity development capital allowing First Nations communities to acquire up to 50 percent direct equity ownership stakes in newly contracted BC Hydro Call for Power wind, run-of-river hydro, and battery storage projects.

Advancing Economic Reconciliation and Powering BC's Clean Grid BC Hydro's 2024 Call for Power requires adding 3,000 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually to meet surging demand from residential electrification, mining, and manufacturing, mandating minimum 25 percent First Nations equity participation for all winning bids.

"True economic reconciliation means ensuring First Nations are not just consulted on resource projects, but are full equity owners and decision-makers who share in the multi-generational wealth generated on their territories," Premier David Eby said at the BC Legislature in Victoria. "This $145 million investment provides the loan guarantees and capital First Nations need to buy equity stakes in major clean energy projects, generating millions in stable revenues for their communities while powering B.C.'s growing clean economy."

Program Elements and Equity Guarantees The $145 million allocation finances:

• $100 Million Provincial Loan Guarantee Facility: Enabling First Nations development corporations to secure commercial financing at competitive low sovereign interest rates.
• Clean Energy Pre-Development Grants: $30 million for First Nations feasibility studies, environmental baselines, and legal negotiations.
• Indigenous Clean Energy Technical Advisory Hub: $15 million dedicated to building technical engineering and financial modeling capacity within tribal administrations.

First Nations grand chiefs, clean energy developers, and financial institutions commended the provincial loan guarantee program, emphasizing that Indigenous equity ownership ensures lasting community support and legal certainty for major clean energy infrastructure.