The following legislative acts govern the energy industry in BC.

The Utilities Commission Act is the most influential legislation governing the regulation of the energy industry in BC. It creates and gives the BCUC its powers, sets rules and penalties for public utilities, and defines the decision reconsideration and appeals processes.

The Clean Energy Act contains a series of provisions that govern or constrain the BCUC, BC Hydro and other public utilities. It also permits the Lieutenant Governor in General to pass the Greenhouse Gas Reduction (Clean Energy) Regulation, which defines a prescribed undertaking, a term used in the Clean Energy Act.

The Climate Change Accountability Act sets targets for reducing BC’s greenhouse gas emissions.

The Zero-emission Vehicles Act sets out targets for the number of new vehicles that are sold or leased in the province that must be “zero-emitting”, i.e. must not emit greenhouse gases.

The Hydro and Power Authority Act continues (i.e. creates) the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BC Hydro) and gives it legal powers, for example the power to expropriate property and to borrow money.

The Energy Resource Activities Act (formerly the Oil and Gas Activities Act) continues (i.e. creates) the British Columbia Energy Regulator and the Energy Resource Appeal Tribunal and gives them legal powers. The Act also governs the activities of persons engaging in “energy resource activities” such as exploration, development, production, gathering, processing, storing or disposal of petroleum and natural gas.

Secondary legislation

The following additional acts may also apply to the BCUC and the governance of the energy sector in BC:

The Administrative Tribunals Act.

The Carbon Tax Act.

The Evidence Act.

The Interpretation Act.