BC Hydro will move forward with a call for new sources of renewable, emission-free electricity to power British Columbia’s growing clean economy and create new jobs throughout the province.

The call is expected to launch in spring 2024.

In addition, the Province is providing $140 million to the B.C Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative (BCICEI) to support Indigenous-led power projects, create economic opportunities for First Nations, and advance community self-determination.

“As we face the threat of a record fire season across Canada, the need to switch to clean power to fight climate change has never felt more urgent. The good news is that from electric cars to electrified heavy industry, British Columbians are taking action,” said Premier David Eby. “To guarantee the affordable power for this important transition, we’re working in partnership with First Nations and BC Hydro to generate more of the clean electricity that British Columbia needs to build our economy, and grow our role as a clean-energy superpower.”

Electricity demand is expected to increase by 15% between now and 2030. This is due to economic and population growth, and as more homes, businesses and industries switch from fossil fuels to clean electricity. In the past six years, the number of electric vehicles on B.C.’s roads has increased by nearly 2,000%.

Updated demand forecasts filed by BC Hydro with the B.C. Utilities Commission today confirm that new sources of electricity will be required sooner than previously expected. To ensure that it’s ready to procure new power supply, BC Hydro is moving forward with the development of a competitive process to acquire more clean electricity. This will be BC Hydro’s first call for power in 15 years, and will target larger, utility scale projects.

BC Hydro will only acquire 100% clean, renewable electricity, including wind and solar. The call for power process will be designed by BC Hydro and the Province following engagement with First Nations, industry and stakeholders. The engagement will include development of options regarding minimum requirements for Indigenous participation in new projects. The newly formed BC Hydro task force will also provide strategic advice.

The BC Hydro task force draws on further Indigenous and external energy experts to provide strategic advice on advancing Indigenous ownership and/or equity interest opportunities. The task force has three key priorities:

• speed of permitting and delivery;
• oversight to protect ratepayers and enable economic and climate priorities; and
• identifying, enabling and accelerating economic opportunities.

Over the next 12 months, the task force will focus on identifying and implementing short- and medium-term actions that can advance these priorities.

“First Nations are key partners as we work to power B.C.’s growing clean economy with clean, renewable electricity,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Funding for the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative will open up new opportunities for First Nations in clean-energy projects, including wind and solar, create local jobs, and support Indigenous self-determination.”

The Province’s $140 million contribution to the BCICEI will support smaller Indigenous-led power projects that may otherwise not be competitive due to their smaller size.

The BCICEI is a clean-energy funding partnership between the Province of British Columbia, the Government of Canada, and the New Relationship Trust. It provides support and capacity-building funds to First Nations communities toward the planning and implementation of clean-energy projects. The BCICEI is administered by the New Relationship Trust, an Indigenous-led non-profit organization that delivers federal and provincially funded programs in support of Indigenous capacity development and reconciliation.

BC Hydro expects to initiate a call for power in spring 2024 in order to acquire new sources of electricity as early as 2028. This may be followed by subsequent calls as the transition to clean energy continues to accelerate, and BC Hydro requires additional resources in order to electrify B.C.’s growing economy and meet the province’s climate targets.

Quick Facts:

• BC Hydro gets 98% of its power generation from clean or renewable resources, making BC Hydro the leader in North America when it comes to clean energy.
• BC Hydro’s residential electricity rates are also the second lowest in North America.
• Zero-emission vehicles represented 18.1% of new light-duty passenger vehicles sold in B.C. in 2022, the highest percentage for any province or territory, and well ahead of CleanBC targets.
• The number of registered light-duty electric vehicles rose from 5,000 in 2016 to more than 100,000 today – a 1,900% increase in the past six years.
• There are approximately 200,000 heat pumps installed in BC Hydro residential customer homes. This is equivalent to about 10% of homes.
• The BCICEI has delivered $26 million to support more than 100 Indigenous clean-energy projects in B.C. since 2016.
• In 2021-22, Canada provided a $6.4-million top-up to the BCICEI.
• In 2022-23, Canada renewed the BCICEI for 2022-23 and 2023-24 with an additional $3.6 million.

Learn More:

To read BC Hydro’s 2021 Integrated Resource Plan, including recent updates, visit: www.bchydro.com/cleanpower2040

To follow the B.C. Utilities Commission review of the Integrated Resource Plan, visit: https://www.bcuc.com/OurWork/Proceedings

For more information on the New Relationship Trust and the B.C. Indigenous Clean Energy Initiative, visit: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/

To meet the members of the new BC Hydro Task Force and learn about its work, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/BCHydroTaskForce

Three backgrounders follow.

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Backgrounds:

Independent power projects from BC Hydro (Link to Source below)

Source: https://www.bchydro.com/work-with-us/selling-clean-energy/meeting-energy-needs.html

Introduction: Commercial solar, often referred to as C&I solar (Commercial and Industrial scale), occupies a unique position within the solar industry, distinct from its residential and utility-scale counterparts. While this sector has faced challenges, signs point to significant growth, making it a space worth exploring. In this article, we provide an overview of commercial solar, discussing its diverse customer base, project sizes, and the factors influencing its expansion. Join us on a journey through the complexities and opportunities in this dynamic sector, with a focus on Power My Home.

Understanding Commercial Solar: Commercial solar isn’t simply about powering businesses; it spans a wide range of customers, including large corporations, local businesses, governments, schools, and nonprofits. Projects can take the form of rooftop arrays or ground mounts, varying in size from kilowatts to multi-megawatts. The commercial solar landscape is expansive, offering flexibility from ground-mount installations to innovative use of rooftop space, all under the expertise of Power My Home.

The Commercial Solar Opportunity: Researchers at UC Davis, utilizing Aurora solar software, have explored the potential of commercial buildings in the U.S. Their findings showcase the immense opportunity, with a Texas-based aerospace company having the potential to generate 88 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of clean energy. This extreme example underscores the variability in project sizes within the sector, presenting a diverse range of possibilities for Power My Home to harness.

Constraints on Commercial Solar: Despite its potential, commercial solar has faced hurdles, leading to slower growth compared to residential and utility-scale solar. Factors contributing to this include historically lower commercial electricity prices, split incentives for building owners, and complex financing structures. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for Power My Home to unlock the full potential of commercial solar.

Solutions to Barriers: Efforts are underway to overcome challenges in the commercial solar sector. Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) have emerged as a key financing option, allowing investors to absorb upfront costs while consumers gradually pay off the system. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and SolarKal, highlights the diverse project structures and financing options available, emphasizing the sector’s cost competitiveness with utility energy.

Current Scale and Future Growth: As of the latest data, the U.S. has over 8,300 megawatts (MW) of commercial solar projects across 43 states, representing approximately 70% of all installed commercial capacity. While impressive, commercial solar still trails behind the residential and utility-scale markets. However, indicators suggest significant growth potential, with the sector poised to take off as barriers are addressed, with Power My Home almost at the forefront of this transformative journey.

Commercial Solar Benefits: Commercial solar offers a multitude of benefits to various stakeholders. Building owners can experience increased operating income and longer lease terms, while tenants enjoy reduced operating costs through utility bill savings. Power My Home, as close to leading solar contractors navigating this sector, can capitalize on economies of scale, making commercial projects potentially more lucrative than residential ones.

Conclusion: This article serves as an introduction to the world of commercial solar, offering insights into its diverse nature, challenges, and potential for growth.  As we look to the future, commercial solar stands as a pivotal pillar in the broader growth of solar energy, presenting exciting opportunities for all stakeholders involved. Including Elemental Energy & Energy Economics.

The solar photovoltaics (PV) industry is experiencing a global boom, offering a promising solution to contemporary challenges such as climate change and universal electricity access. The success of PV plants hinges on their quality and performance, making them integral to a sustainable future.

Untapped Solar Potential and Global Energy Disparities

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), achieving universal electricity access is a prerequisite for any net-zero pathway. Astonishingly, nearly 700 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, with many lacking stable power for essential services like healthcare facilities. Paradoxically, the sun provides over 200,000 times the energy the world currently generates daily, with more than 80% of those without electricity residing in Sub-Saharan Africa—where sunlight is abundant.

Solar PV: A Catalyst for Change

Solar PV emerges as one of the most cost-effective ways to generate electricity globally. In 2022, solar PV generation witnessed a remarkable 26% annual growth, surpassing all other renewable energies. Projections indicate its continued ascent, set to exceed coal by 2027. This growth is a positive sign, especially considering the imperative to meet climate targets, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure electricity access for all.

The IEA asserts that by 2040, electricity generation must constitute almost half of total energy consumption to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. With electricity currently comprising only 20% of global energy consumption, solar PV stands as a transformative opportunity for the century.

Expert Insights into PV Industry Dynamics

Roger Taylor, a PV industry expert, underscores the significance of PV plant investment in quality products, design, and construction processes. He emphasizes the low operating costs of well-built PV plants, with sunlight being a free and abundant resource.

PV solar power plants are intricate systems comprising thousands of components. Taylor stresses that the safety and reliability of these plants depend on the complex interplay of various stages, including development, design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance, along with cybersecurity measures.

Standards: Ensuring Quality and Safety

IEC International Standards play a pivotal role in enabling solar PV installations to meet globally agreed requirements for quality, safety, and performance. With around 200 standards for PV components and additional standards for system design, quality management, and cybersecurity, the IEC ensures adherence to high-quality benchmarks.

Addressing End-of-Life Challenges

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights a potential increase in landfill waste as the PV market grows. However, adherence to standards, especially those governing design and construction, can mitigate environmental impact. Industry experts stress the importance of certifying PV components to specified quality levels, preventing premature retirements and ensuring environmental sustainability.

Global Certification Programs: Ensuring Quality Assurance

IECEE’s PV certification program offers access to qualified testing laboratories, certifying PV components according to IEC International Standards. These certificates assure compliance with global quality and safety requirements, instilling confidence across the supply chain.

Wolfram Zeitz, Executive Secretary for IEC CA Systems IECRE and IECEE, emphasizes the critical nature of assessing both components and the entire PV plant. This approach ensures the correct implementation of standards, maintaining quality and safety throughout the value chain.

Unlocking Solar Potential in Africa

Recognizing the resource limitations in many countries, IECEE’s PV certification program facilitates mutual recognition of conformity assessment certificates. In Kenya, the national certification approval scheme operates based on IECEE test reports and certificates, streamlining the clearance process for imported goods.

Irene Njine, Assistant Manager-Quality Assurance at KEBS, attests to the benefits of this program, citing time savings and simplified market entry for products tested by IECEE-recognized labs. Such schemes can also support governments in implementing incentives for solar products, as seen in Senegal’s quality control scheme, which exempts certified solar products from VAT.

The Future of Solar PV: Sustainable Growth

As solar PV experiences exponential growth, it aligns with the IEA’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Declining module prices and increased policy demands fuel this growth. Standards and conformity assessment play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable development, longevity of PV plants, and the realization of solar energy’s full potential.

In conclusion, the future of solar power looks bright, promising a sustainable energy landscape and addressing global challenges. Standards, certification programs, and international collaboration are key drivers in ensuring that solar PV continues to shine as a beacon of renewable energy.

Credit Liked to: Embracing the power of solar | IEC e-tech

For a brief period over several weekends this spring, the state of South Australia, which has a population of 1.8 million, did something no other place of similar size can claim: generate enough energy from solar panels on the roofs of houses to meet virtually all its electricity needs.

This is a new phenomenon, but it has been coming for a while – since solar photovoltaic cells started to be installed at a rapid pace across Australia in the early 2010s. Roughly one in three Australian households, more than 3.6m homes, now generate electricity domestically. In South Australia, the most advanced state for rooftop solar, the proportion is nearly 50%.

No other country comes close to installing small solar systems on a per capita basis. “It’s absolutely extraordinary by world standards,” said Dr Dylan McConnell, an energy systems analyst at the University of New South Wales. “We’re streets ahead.”

There was no overarching plan that made Australia the world leader in household solar PV. Analysts mostly agreed that it was a happy accident, the result of a range of uncoordinated policies across tiers of government. Many were subsidy schemes that were derided as too generous and gradually scaled back, but the most important – an easy-to-access, upfront national rebate available to everyone – endured. It has helped make panels cost-effective and easy to install.

Cost was a big consideration for the Jamiesons – Sean, Deb, and their 19-year-old daughter, Molly – when they installed a system on the four-bedroom house in a beachside suburb in South Australia’s capital, Adelaide, a decade ago. They upgraded to a larger 8kW system during a home renovation five years later, and have installed two batteries, the first subsidized as part of a state government scheme trialing household energy storage systems to help stabilize a power grid that increasingly runs on variable solar and wind power.

Sean Jamieson, a pilot with the airline Jetstar, said the setup had been “incredibly beneficial”, in part because his family uses a range of energy-hungry equipment, including a pool and hot tub. They first opted for solar after watching the price of grid electricity rise sharply, mainly due to the cost of rebuilding electricity transmission poles and wires. He said it has continued to make sense.

“I’m looking at paying it off [through savings on what annual power bills would otherwise have been] in three or four years, so it’s been a great investment,” he said of the household energy system. “Generally, solar is just a no-brainer in South Australia. We’ve got a lot of sunshine and the most expensive electricity in Australia, and in the beginning, it was heavily subsidized.”

Dr Gabrielle Kuiper, an independent energy and climate change strategist, noted Australia was not the first country out of the gate on rooftop solar – that was Germany, which introduced the first subsidy scheme, and “none of us would be here without them” – but said it was one of the first to capitalize on the German model. It began with a natural advantage: more sun than nearly any other wealthy country. Even the southern island state of Tasmania is at a latitude that would place it level with Spain and California if it were in the northern hemisphere.

Kuiper said Australia had succeeded at solar for reasons beyond geography. Incentives were a big part of it, but the technology’s rise was accelerated by ordinary people embracing it to have some control over their power bills and, in some cases, play a small part in tackling the climate crisis by reducing the country’s reliance on coal.

The subsidies initially included a national rebate of A$8,000 for a small 1kW array – more than the sticker price in parts of the country. It was complemented by state government feed-in tariff schemes that paid households for the energy they fed back into the power grid and, in some cases, for all the electricity they generated.

There was little planning in how the various incentives fit together and critics attacked it as an expensive and inefficient way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. But it kickstarted an industry of installers, sales people, trainers and inspectors, and quickly made solar a viable option for people beyond the country’s wealthiest suburbs.

Today, the feed-in-tariffs have been cut, but the national rebate scheme survives, with bipartisan support despite deep divisions over other responses to the climate crisis. Analysts and industry players have praised its elegant design. The rebate is processed by and paid to the installer. The buyer may not even know it exists. It is reduced by about 8% each year, a rate that roughly keeps pace with the continuing fall in the cost of having panels installed.

The fall in cost has been significant. The sums vary depending on geography, but the SolarQuotes comparison site suggests many Australians can get a 6kW solar system for about A$6,000 (£3,100). The panels are likely to have paid for themselves within five years.

The influx of solar has brought challenges, including how to manage the flood of near-free energy in the middle of the day that risks making inflexible coal generators unviable before the country is ready for them to be turned off. Some states have responded by curtailing how much can be accepted into the grid, but Kuiper says this can be addressed through increasingly creative management. Answers include improving incentives for household batteries and fostering a two-way energy exchange between the grid and a growing electric vehicle fleet.

Rooftops provided 11% of the country’s electricity over the past year, part of a 38% total renewable energy share. The Australian government has set a challenging national goal of 82% of all electricity coming from renewables by 2030.

Simon Holmes à Court, a longtime clean energy advocate and convener of the political fundraising body Climate 200, said it was clear rooftop solar was playing a bigger part in reaching that than many people expected. “Not long ago renewables skeptics laughed at rooftop solar’s ‘tiny’ contribution. These days there’s no question solar is playing a major role in pushing coal out of our grid,” he said.

Tristan Edis, an analyst with the consultants Green Energy Markets, said the lesson for those watching on was pretty simple: the generous early subsidies worked. “It really was this fortuitous accident that happened,” he said. “The message from it is pretty clear: go hard and go big, or don’t bother.”

Link Reference: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/nov/01/how-generous-subsidies-helped-australia-to-become-a-leader-in-solar-power

In our increasingly connected world, the dependence on a reliable power supply is more critical than ever. However, with the rising frequency of extreme weather events, cyber threats, and an aging infrastructure, the possibility of a grid blackout looms large. Understanding the potential risks and having a solid plan in place, including backup power systems, is crucial for individuals and businesses alike.

The Growing Threat of Grid Blackouts

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of grid blackouts:

1. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change has led to more frequent and severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes, storms, and heatwaves. These events can damage power infrastructure, leading to widespread outages.
2. Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: As our reliance on digital technology grows, so does the threat of cyberattacks on power grids. A successful attack on a utility’s infrastructure could result in a widespread blackout.
3. Aging Infrastructure: Many power grids around the world are aging and in need of significant upgrades. The strain on outdated systems increases the likelihood of failures and disruptions.

Given these challenges, it’s prudent to consider the possibility of a grid blackout and take proactive steps to ensure a continuous power supply.

Preparing for the Worst: Backup Power Systems

One of the most effective ways to mitigate the impact of a grid blackout is to invest in backup power systems. Here’s how you can be prepared:

1. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS provides a short-term power source during brief outages, giving you enough time to save work and shut down electronic devices properly. It acts as a buffer, smoothing the transition to alternative power sources.
2. Generators: Generators are a reliable option for extended power outages. They come in various sizes and can be powered by gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure their readiness when needed.
3. Solar Power Systems: Solar panels coupled with energy storage solutions, such as batteries, offer a sustainable and independent power source. They can provide electricity during daylight hours and store excess energy for use during the night or on cloudy days.
4. Wind Turbines: For those in areas with consistent wind, small-scale wind turbines can be an effective backup power source. Like solar power systems, they can be combined with energy storage for continuous power supply.

Creating a Comprehensive Plan

In addition to investing in backup power systems, it’s essential to develop a comprehensive emergency plan. This includes:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure that backup power systems are regularly inspected and maintained to guarantee optimal performance when needed.
2. Emergency Supplies: Stock up on essentials such as flashlights, batteries, candles, and non-perishable food items to sustain you during power outages.
3. Communication Plan: Establish a communication plan with family members, neighbors, and colleagues to stay informed and coordinate assistance if needed.
4. Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including utility providers, in a readily accessible location.

While we cannot eliminate the risk of grid blackouts entirely, being proactive and prepared can significantly reduce the impact on our daily lives. By investing in reliable backup power systems and having a well-thought-out emergency plan, we can navigate potential challenges with resilience and confidence.

In conclusion, ensuring uninterrupted power is a paramount concern in our ever-changing world. By understanding the risks associated with grid blackouts and proactively preparing with backup power systems, you can safeguard your home or business against the unexpected. For reliable backup power solutions and expert assistance, consider exploring the services offered by Power My Home at www.powermyhome.ca. Our commitment to providing effective and sustainable backup power options ensures that you can navigate power outages with confidence. Stay prepared, stay powered.

Click Here to Watch Documentary

Also, You can watch: How Long Would Society Last During a Total Grid Collapse?

The clock is ticking, and the opportunity to transform your home into an eco-friendly haven with the Greener Grant Home is slipping away. 🕒 As of now, a staggering 65% of the funds allocated for this incredible federal government initiative have already been snapped up. 🌟

🌞 Imagine lower energy bills, reduced carbon footprint, and increased comfort within your home. The Greener Grant Home can make this vision a reality.

💡 Here’s why you should seize this opportunity NOW:

🌱 Unparalleled Savings: With up to 65% of the funds already allocated, there’s no time to waste. The Greener Grant Home offers substantial financial incentives to make your home more energy-efficient, from insulation upgrades to efficient heating systems.

💚 Environmental Impact: Every energy-efficient upgrade you make through the Greener Grant Home reduces your carbon footprint and contributes to Canada’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future for generations to come.

🏠 Enhanced Home Value: Say goodbye to chilly winters and sweltering summers. With the Greener Grant Home, you can enjoy year-round comfort in your home, and the installation of solar panels ensures your home value goes up, contributing to a sustainable and financially sound future.

💰 Long-Term Savings: Lower energy bills are a given when you make your home more energy-efficient. These savings continue to add up over the years, making your investment in a greener home a wise financial decision.

🤝 Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to enhance your home’s energy efficiency while saving money and reducing your environmental impact. The clock is ticking, and funds are running out!

🚀 Act NOW and take the first step toward a Greener Home. Reach out to us for a FREE assessment or visit the official Greener Grant Home website to learn more and start your application process. Your future self and the planet will thank you! 🌎🌟

#GreenerHome #EnergyEfficiency #Sustainability #GreenLiving #Canada #FederalInitiative #ActNow #EnvironmentallyFriendly #HomeImprovement

Let’s make our homes greener and our planet brighter together! 🏡🌿💡

Click Here For Details (PDF File)

Energy Economics Solar

We’re partnering with IEP Energy Economics Ltd., known as Energy Economics, to:

In the world of renewable energy, change is the only constant. Today, we are thrilled to announce a significant evolution in our journey as a company. Power My Home has transformed into PMH Energy Inc., marking a pivotal moment in our commitment to providing sustainable, clean energy solutions to homeowners across the nation.

As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we want to take a moment to reflect on our roots and share our vision for the future.

Our Journey as Power My Home

Power My Home was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to empower homeowners with the ability to harness the sun’s energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Over the years, we have had the privilege of helping hundreds of families make the switch to solar energy, leading to energy independence, lower utility bills, and a cleaner environment.

Our dedication to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction has driven our growth and success. We have strived to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in the solar industry, offering state-of-the-art solar panels and energy storage solutions to our valued customers.

Why PMH Energy Inc.?

The decision to rebrand as PMH Energy Inc. reflects our broader vision for the future. While “Power My Home” has served us well, we wanted a name that better encompasses our expanding range of services and our commitment to powering not only homes but also communities, businesses, and industries with clean, sustainable energy.

The “PMH” in PMH Energy Inc. still holds a special place in our hearts as a nod to our humble beginnings. However, it now stands for “Powering More Homes” and represents our broader commitment to addressing the energy needs of a changing world.

Our Continued Commitment

Our mission remains unchanged. PMH Energy Inc. is dedicated to:

Empowering You: We are here to empower you, the homeowner, with the tools and knowledge you need to take control of your energy future.
Innovating for Sustainability: We will continue to push the boundaries of solar technology and energy storage to provide you with the most efficient and eco-friendly solutions.
Fostering Community: We believe in the power of community and will work to create opportunities for shared energy solutions that benefit all.

Projects by Energy Economics

As part of our exciting partnership with Energy Economics, we are proud to highlight some of their noteworthy projects. You can explore their diverse portfolio and see the impact of their work in advancing renewable energy solutions by visiting [Energy Economics Projects]

What to Expect

With our new identity as PMH Energy Inc., you can expect the same level of professionalism, expertise, and dedication that you’ve come to know from Power My Home. Our website, contact information, and team members all remain the same, ensuring a seamless transition for our valued customers.

We are excited about this new chapter in our company’s history and the opportunity to serve you better. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to a future filled with cleaner, greener energy together.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments as PMH Energy Inc. continues to lead the way in sustainable energy solutions in BC.