Advocating For BC's Energy Independence

DAVID WILLIAMS SPEAKS AT GENERATE 2025: ADVOCATING FOR B.C.'S ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

In May, David Williams had the opportunity to attend and speak at Generate 2025, a conference hosted by Clean Energy BC. This annual gathering brings together clean energy leaders from across the province to connect, collaborate, and discuss the future of British Columbia’s energy landscape.

As the Critic for BC Hydro and Electricity Self-Sufficiency, David plays a key role in holding the government accountable for decisions related to energy production, consumption, and sustainability. His work is critical—energy policy affects everything from public services to household affordability and environmental stewardship.

Energy policies affect everything from public services to household affordability and environmental stewardship.

At the conference, David addressed the urgent need for BC energy independence and future energy procurement, encouraging honest, forward-looking discussions on how BC can secure its energy future. He emphasized the importance of British Columbia becoming a net exporter of power, rather than relying on imported electricity.

To achieve this, David stressed that we must be willing to consider all potential energy sources—solar, wind, geothermal, LNG, hydro, run-of-river, biomass, and even small modular reactors. With thoughtful planning and open dialogue, these diverse resources could help build a more reliable, independent, and sustainable energy system.

The urgency is real: under the current NDP policies, B.C.'s electricity demand is projected to double by 2050.

The urgency is real: under current NDP policies, B.C.’s electricity demand is projected to double by 2050. Since the government abandoned the goal of power self-sufficiency in 2020, B.C. has increasingly turned to foreign imports to bridge the gap. In 2023 alone, we imported 17% of our electricity needs, at a cost of nearly $500 million.

Now more than ever, we need a common-sense approach to energy—one that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and independence. David remains committed to advocating for smarter energy solutions that put British Columbians first.