BC Hydro has selected Peace River Hydro Partners as the preferred proponent for the Site C main civil works contract.

The provincial government is providing $250,000 to support energy efficiency and clean energy projects in seven communities including solar power, biomass heating, and energy retrofits to local facilities.

The provincial government and BC Hydro have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Clean Energy Association of British Columbia that supports continued collaboration to deliver clean, reliable and affordable electricity to British Columbians.

Mines in British Columbia have responded to an order by the chief inspector of mines to confirm whether foundation materials similar to those at Mount Polley exist below any of their dams and no immediate risks or safety concerns were identified.

The provincial government is providing $435,000 to Carbon Engineering Ltd. to support an engineering study that will assess the potential and feasibility of using carbon dioxide (CO₂) “scrubbed” out of the air at its direct-air capture demonstration plant in Squamish to produce synthetic diesel or gasoline fuel.

Minister of Energy and Mines Bill Bennett says the Murray River Coal project is the first underground coal mine approved in British Columbia in over 25 years and has the potential to generate billions in economic benefits.

Energy and Mines Minister Bill Bennett is travelling to Alaska next week, where he will meet with state officials, Alaska Natives and representatives from other interests including commercial fishing, tourism and environmental groups to strengthen relationships and discuss ways B.C. and Alaska can work together to ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of the shared environment.

With all necessary federal approvals, a provincial environmental assessment certificate and Mines Act permit now in place, construction of the new Brucejack mine is expected to get underway in 2015.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Works (IBEW) and the board of BC Hydro have ratified an agreement negotiated under the Economic Stability Mandate.