Powell River Energy export moved to licence review

Summary#

An Order in Council dated February 26, 2026 directs that Powell River Energy Inc.’s electricity export application of August 15, 2025 be considered under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act’s licensing process instead of the simpler permitting route. This does not approve the export — it simply lets the regulator use the fuller licensing review, which can include hearings and the power to impose conditions or refuse the request.

What it does#

• Moves PREI’s export request from a fast “permit” path to the more detailed “licence” path under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.
• The licensing path gives the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator more flexibility, including:
  • the option to hold a public hearing;
  • the ability to get information from parties other than the applicant;
  • the ability to impose terms and conditions (subject to government approval);
  • the ability to reject the application after review.
• It does not change existing export permits that PREI’s affiliates currently hold.

Who's affected#

• Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI), the company that applied to export electricity.
• PREI’s parent, Brookfield Renewable, and the listed U.S. buyer BR Pacific Hydro Power LLC.
• Local and provincial interests in British Columbia, including BC Hydro and the Tla’amin Nation, who submitted concerns.
• Electricity customers and potential domestic buyers in the region who worry about access to supply.
• The Canada Energy Regulator and its Commission, which will run the licensing review.
• If unclear: the source says no provinces other than B.C. raised effects on neighbouring provinces.

Why it matters#

• The application asks to export up to 700,000 MWh a year for 30 years, and many local parties worry that could reduce or redirect electricity that might otherwise be available inside Canada.
• The licensing process gives the regulator tools to examine those concerns more fully, including public input and possible conditions to protect Canadian buyers.
• The decision matter drew heavy public interest — the CER received about 2,500 written submissions, mostly opposing the export.
• The item does not propose new construction, so it says no new environmental impacts are expected from the regulator’s decision process.