Electricity resource planning

We look at trends in energy policy, market technologies, regional growth and customer demand to develop strategies that meet the energy needs of our customers now, and in the future. The Long-Term Electric Resource Plan (LTERP) is our roadmap for securing safe, reliable and cost-effective energy resources to meet our customers’ energy needs.

Long Term Electric Resource Plan:

  • looks ahead 20 years to identify energy supply requirements, infrastructure needs and opportunities to manage demand
  • examines the resource options available to FortisBC, including the amount of energy supply we can feasibly acquire through conservation and energy management programs
  • defines objectives to assess and evaluate the available resource options to determine the best overall outcome for our customers
  • provides an action plan for ensuring delivery of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our customers

Why does FortisBC develop an LTERP?

Developing a resource plan is required by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) and it plays an important part in our overall strategic planning.

As demand for energy grows in the regions we serve, we need to evaluate all potential resources to deliver secure, reliable and cost-effective energy. These include:

  • electricity markets
  • long term contracts with suppliers like BC Hydro
  • conservation and energy management programs
  • wind, solar, hydro and other supply-side resource options

The LTERP outlines how we’ll meet our customers’ energy needs and how it can help them reduce their energy consumption.

How does FortisBC develop the LTERP?

We develop the LTERP in consultation with engagement working groups and in accordance with the BCUC’s resource planning guidelines. We conduct an in-depth, research-based examination of energy supply conditions, demand projections and resource acquisition alternatives that exist to provide safe, reliable and cost-effective energy to our customers. Specific components of the plan include:

  • a discussion of the policy and market environment
  • forecasts of our annual and peak demand over the next 20 years
  • a long-term outlook on conservation and energy management that can help achieve energy savings
  • recommendations for system reinforcements to meet anticipated annual increases in peak demand
  • load scenarios providing insight into various possible future customer load requirements
  • other planning activities with the goal to provide secure, reliable and cost-effective supply for customers over the long term
  • a short-term action plan to identify the steps required to implement, acquire or construct the resources described in the LTERP

Engaging with interested parties, Indigenous communities and the Resource Planning Advisory Group

Connecting with customers, Indigenous communities and interested parties on long-range planning issues is a priority for us. We plan a number of opportunities for input into the LTERP.

Interested parties

The interested parties engagement group includes (but are not limited to): non-governmental associations, business associations, builders, developers, suppliers, governmental entities, municipalities, industry and others.

Engagement workshops throughout B.C. offer opportunities for interested parties in our service areas to provide feedback on long-term resource planning. Email [email protected] to be added to our mailing list for these engagement workshops.

Indigenous communities

FortisBC continues to work to meaningfully engage with Indigenous communities in our service areas in the long-term resource planning process. Our Statement of Indigenous Principles ensures our business operations are conducted with respect for Indigenous social, economic and cultural interests.

Engagement workshops throughout B.C. offer opportunities for Indigenous communities in our service areas to provide feedback on long-term resource planning. Please reach out to us at [email protected] to be a part of the engagement process.

Resource Planning Advisory Group

The Resource Planning Advisory Group is an established technical working group that provides FortisBC with technical advice and support in developing the LTERP. This group of energy industry experts, relevant customer associations and other key parties regularly provide input on important energy issues during the long-term resource planning process.

Learn more.

2021 Long Term Electric Resource Plan

We submitted the 2021 Long-Term Resource Plan to the BCUC on August 4, 2021. You can find the 2021 LTERP and appendices here. After the regulatory review process in 2021 and 2022, the BCUC accepted the 2021 Long-Term Electric Resource Plan as being in the public interest.

You can also read our previous resource plans.

We’re here to help

For more information about our LTERP, related resource planning and engagement activities with the engagement working groups, please email [email protected].