Clean Energy Association of BC (CEBC)

Clean Energy Association of BC Statement on the Passing of Niilo Edwards Vancouver, BC – December 17, 2024 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) joins Indigenous communities, industry partners, and all those who knew Niilo Edwards, ICD.D  in mourning his passing. A visionary leader, trusted collaborator, and tireless advocate, Niilo’s life was dedicated to advancing Indigenous participation, capacity, and leadership in major projects across Canada. Born in Alert Bay and raised in Sointula, a small fishing village on Malcolm Island, Niilo carried his roots into every aspect of his work. His career began as a constituency advisor in Ottawa’s House of Commons, later serving as executive assistant to Senator Gerry St. Germain, who inspired in him an entrepreneurial spirit and a sense of urgency to address systemic gaps. Niilo completed his degree in public administration at the University of Ottawa, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. Niilo dedicated 20 years to advancing Indigenous business capacity, most recently serving as CEO of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition (FNMPC) and its revenue-generating arm, the FNMPC Advisory Centre. Under his leadership, FNMPC grew to support over 170 Indigenous communities nationwide, overseeing a project portfolio valued at $45 billion. A respected advisor to the First Nations Financial Management Board and the Standing Senate Committee on Aboriginal Peoples, Niilo also served on the boards of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships and a First Nations-owned corporation. He held the prestigious ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. In 2024, Niilo was hounored as Indigenous Entrepreneur of the Year by BCBusiness and was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Program in the Pacific Region—a testament to his visionary leadership and enduring impact. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Niilo was a kidney transplant recipient and a passionate advocate for organ donation. His resilience and advocacy reflected his deep commitment to helping others, even in the face of personal challenges. At his request, donations in his memory can be made to the Organ Donation and Transplant Research Foundation of Canada at odtrf.org. Niilo Edwards believed in the power of reconciliation through action. CEBC extends our deepest condolences to Niilo’s family, friends, and colleagues. His contributions to economic reconciliation, Indigenous leadership, and sustainable development will leave a lasting impact for generations to come. He will be profoundly missed.

Historic power deal puts Indigenous communities at heart of B.C.'s energy future As BC Hydro’s call for power signals the province’s commitment to expanding clean energy capacity, with a minimum 25 per cent First Nations equity stake, the need for Indigenous participation has never been greater., writes Kwatuuma Cole Sayers Full Piece: https://lnkd.in/ghrQcBeK

CEBC Congratulates Successful Proponents of BC Hydro’s Call for Power, Applauds Historic Advancements in Reconciliation and Clean Energy Development Vancouver, BC – December 9, 2024 – The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) congratulates the successful proponents of BC Hydro’s historic call for power. The selection of new wind energy projects – including multiple CEBC members – marks a major milestone in advancing reconciliation, economic growth, and clean energy development across the province. “The Clean Energy Association of British Columbia congratulates the successful proponents of BC Hydro's call for power, which advances reconciliation through Indigenous ownership and will deliver economic benefits for all British Columbians. This procurement marks historic and tangible progress on climate action and reconciliation. Accelerating these projects will solidify BC's position as a global clean energy leader and bring affordable, clean electricity to our grid—enabling the sustainable growth and electrification of our communities and industries,” said Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, Executive Director of CEBC. BC Hydro has announced 30-year electricity purchase agreements with nine clean and renewable wind energy projects, representing a significant step toward ensuring a clean, and affordable energy future for British Columbia. These projects will provide approximately 5,000 gigawatt hours of electricity annually—enough to power 430,000 homes—boosting BC Hydro’s energy supply by 8 per cent. According to the Government of BC, the average price of power from the successful projects in this call is about 40% lower than BC Hydro’s last call for clean power in 2010. CEBC commends BC Hydro for requiring a minimum requirement of 25 per cent First Nations equity ownership in these projects, a target that has been surpassed with an average of 50 per cent equity ownership achieved. This level of Indigenous participation reflects a transformative commitment to reconciliation, providing First Nations with opportunities for self-determination, long-term revenue streams, and economic sovereignty. “These projects demonstrate how clean energy can foster collaboration and create shared prosperity,” added Sayers. “By embedding equity into the framework of clean energy development, BC is setting a model for the rest of the world.” The selected projects represent up to $6 billion in private capital investment across BC, with $3 billion under First Nations ownership. Geographically diverse, these projects span nearly every region in the province, creating approximately 2,000 jobs annually during construction. The projects are expected to begin coming online by late 2029, with full operational capacity reached by fall 2031. View Full Release: https://lnkd.in/gnVarjb8

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s First Nations Energy Summit! We’re excited to share more photos and reflections from our time together in the coming days and weeks.   Mark your calendars for our next awesome event! Generate 2025 takes place on May 12 + 13th, at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver on the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Stay tuned for more details!

At this year’s First Nations Energy Summit, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix committed to working with urgency to get clean energy projects built as soon as possible. He highlighted how successful projects under BC Hydro's call for power will advance reconciliation and bring economic and environmental benefits to communities across BC. Watch this clip from his keynote!

That is a wrap! We hope you enjoyed this year's First Nations Energy Summit!

The Energy Storage Opportunities in BC panel brought together leading experts to discuss the pivotal role of energy storage in supporting BC’s clean energy transition. Moderated by Michelle Mungall, Senior Advisor for British Columbia Initiatives at Energy Storage Canada, the discussion featured Bruce Herzer, Director of Marketing at Invinity Energy Systems; Brodie Gunning, CEO of Energy Plug; Duncan Elliot, International Business Development Manager – West at Evlo Energy Storage; and Michael Wrinch, CEO of Hedgehog Technologies Inc. Panelists highlighted innovative storage technologies, including battery and long-duration systems, and their critical role in enhancing grid reliability and maximizing the potential of renewable energy sources. Discussions also emphasized the economic and environmental benefits of energy storage, alongside opportunities for Indigenous participation in advancing this transformative sector. This session provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping BC’s energy storage landscape, leaving attendees inspired by the technologies and partnerships driving progress in the province’s clean energy future. #FNES2024 #CleanEnergyBC #IndigenousLeadership #EnergyStorage #CleanEnergyInnovation

This afternoon’s Introduction to Public Utilities Regulation workshop provided a valuable opportunity to deepen understanding of the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) and its critical role in shaping BC’s energy landscape. Facilitated by Jeremy Cairns, Lead of Indigenous Relations at BCUC, and Damon Boyle (Damon B.), Senior Legal Counsel at BCUC, the session offered insights into BCUC’s mandate and the broader role of regulation in the utilities sector. Attendees explored key topics, including the process of participating in BCUC proceedings, the Inquiry into the Regulation of Indigenous Utilities, and how regulatory frameworks can support the inclusion and leadership of Indigenous Nations in energy initiatives. This foundational session highlighted the importance of collaboration and engagement to ensure utilities regulation aligns with Indigenous values and contributes to sustainable, community-driven solutions. Thank you to our facilitators and engaged attendees for fostering such an insightful discussion! #FNES2024 #CleanEnergyBC #IndigenousLeadership #UtilitiesRegulation #EconomicReconciliation

The Post-BC Election Analysis panel brought together key experts to examine the implications of the recent provincial election for BC’s clean energy sector. Moderated by Jack Magnus, Senior Government Relations Advisor at CEBC, the discussion featured @Vaughn Palmer, political columnist for the Vancouver Sun, and Ina Gjoka, Government Relations Strategist at Innergex. Panelists provided an in-depth analysis of the election outcomes, government priorities, and their potential impacts on energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and reconciliation efforts. This insightful session offered attendees a clearer understanding of the post-election landscape, leaving them with valuable perspectives on opportunities and potential challenges in the clean energy sector. #FNES2024 #CleanEnergyBC #IndigenousLeadership #EconomicReconciliation #CleanEnergyPolicy

At FNES 2024, Katya McClintock and Sarah Powell from the New Relationship Trust (NRT) shared insights into the BC Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) and the Community Energy Diesel Reduction Program (CEDR). These funding programs empower Indigenous communities to lead clean energy projects, reduce diesel reliance, and achieve sustainable energy solutions tailored to their needs. #FNES2024 #CleanEnergyBC #IndigenousLeadership #SustainableEnergy #EconomicReconciliation