FortisBC Outlines $700M+ Investment Plan to Balance Gas Reliability and BC’s Climate Goals
Event summary
- FortisBC submitted its 2026 long-term gas resource plan to the BCUC, extending its planning horizon to 2050 to align with provincial climate goals.
- The plan proposes $694.8M in energy-efficiency investments (2024–2027) and expansion of lower-carbon gases like Renewable Natural Gas (RNG).
- Key infrastructure projects include the Eagle Mountain–Woodfibre Gas Pipeline and Tilbury LNG storage expansion.
- The plan was developed over two years with input from Indigenous communities, environmental groups, and government stakeholders.
The big picture
FortisBC’s plan reflects the tension between maintaining gas system reliability and supporting BC’s aggressive climate targets. The utility is betting on RNG and hydrogen to reduce emissions while upgrading infrastructure to withstand extreme weather—a strategy that could set a precedent for North American gas utilities facing similar regulatory pressures. The $700M+ investment signals confidence in long-term demand, but success hinges on regulatory buy-in and operational agility.
What we're watching
- Regulatory Approval
- Whether the BCUC will accept FortisBC’s plan, given its extended 27-year horizon and climate-aligned investments.
- Execution Risk
- The pace at which FortisBC can scale RNG and hydrogen integration while maintaining system reliability.
- Stakeholder Alignment
- How FortisBC balances affordability, reliability, and climate goals amid feedback from diverse interest groups.
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