Haida Gwaii - RFEOI

BC Hydro issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) to identify clean or renewable electricity projects on Haida Gwaii. The objective is to reduce reliance on diesel-generated electricity on the North Grid through cost-effective, reliable and clean electricity solutions. Haida Gwaii is located off the northwest coast of British Columbia and is not connected to BC Hydro's integrated system. The island's electricity needs are currently served by two separate generation-distribution systems: the northern grid (serving Old Masset, Masset and Port Clements) is powered by a diesel generating system in Masset, while the southern grid (serving Skidegate, Queen Charlotte City, Tlell and Sandspit) receives power from a private hydroelectric plant backed up by a BC Hydro diesel generation station in Sandspit.

BC Hydro received 26 submissions representing 29 projects in response to the RFEOI. The RFEOI process was conducted for information gathering purposes only and did not constitute a commitment to any further commercial process or electricity purchase agreement (EPA). Potential next steps following the RFEOI could include a competitive process with evaluation criteria (such as a Request for Proposals), bilateral discussions with one party, or bilateral discussions with multiple parties.

On July 14, 2014, BC Hydro formally concluded the RFEOI process and decided not to proceed with a commercial process at that time. However, BC Hydro indicated it would continue to collaborate with the Haida Nation to identify viable and cost-effective clean energy projects that might be pursued in the future. The company recognizes both the importance of reducing reliance on diesel-generated electricity on Haida Gwaii and the role of the Haida Nation in resource development on the islands.