Updates to Project Description and BRFN Implementation Agreement Forms and Submission Process to Improve Permit Efficiency and Transparency (TU 2026-01)

Press Release

Several updates are being made to the BCER’s systems, processes and documents that enhance permitting efficiency and transparency. These improvements offer greater clarity for both oil and gas, as well as renewable energy operators, for the collection of information to support consultation with First Nations and provide guidance when using eSubmission.

DATE ISSUED: Jan.12, 2026

EFFECTIVE DATE: Feb. 2, 2026

The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is implementing several updates to its systems, processes and documentation to further enhance permitting efficiency and transparency. These improvements offer greater clarity for both oil and gas, as well as renewable energy operators, outlining procedural changes for the collection of information to support consultation with First Nations and provide guidance when using eSubmission.

This online, standardized process helps ensure consistency in the format and content, while reducing duplication of submissions. These updates also allow for more efficient application review and tracking of information to support decisions and provide data for meaningful consultation with First Nations.

The BCER remains committed to the ongoing improvements of its regulatory processes and user experience, striving to demonstrate regulatory excellence through the entire life cycle of energy resource activities.

The changes include: an updated Project Description Form for all applications and an updated Blueberry River First Nations Implementation Agreement (BRFN IA) form for activities within northeast B.C.

The process for submitting these forms is also changing. They will be submitted electronically through eSubmission instead of through the BCER’s Application Management System (AMS), effective April 1, 2026. To ensure a smooth transition to the new process, proponents will be able to use either eSubmission or AMS between February 2 and March 31.

The updates are available on the “Application Submissions Forms” page of eSubmission and require the use of new electronic forms.

• A new electronic template for the Project Description form is available on eSubmission within the Application Submission Form menu items.
  • For applications with proposed activities within northeast B.C., the Project Description form includes questions to address the requirements outlined in the Treaty 8 Planning and Mitigation measures.
• A new electronic template for the BRFN IA form is available on eSubmission within the Application Submission Form menu items.
  • This new form combines information from the Sensitive Planning Area (SPA) form and the previous BRFN IA form. The SPA form will no longer be required for application submissions if submitting through eSubmission during the transitional period and will cease to exist as of April 1, 2026.

Transition Period – Feb. 2 – March 31, 2026

Proponents choosing to submit forms electronically through eSubmission are required to attach a document under the First Nation tab in AMS, stating the completed forms have been submitted via eSubmission. This function will be removed after the transition period is complete.

Guidance Documentation:

The Energy Resource Application Manual, Application Management System Manual, eSubmission User Guide and other guidance documents will be updated to reflect these changes in the coming month.

Training Sessions:

Virtual sessions will be held to help guide proponents with the new submission process via eSubmission.

• For applicants with proposed activities within northeast B.C.
  • Feb. 2, 2026 – 1:00-2:00 p.m. MST
  • Feb. 5, 2026 – 1:00-2:00 p.m. MST
• For applicants with proposed activities in all other locations within B.C.
  • Feb. 3, 2026 – 1:00-200 p.m. PST

Applicants interested in joining the sessions, please contact: Melanie.Ransom@bc-er.ca

If you have any questions regarding this Technical Update, please contact:

Adam Kamp
Director, Application Support and Enhancement
BC Energy Regulator
Adam.Kamp@bc-er.ca

Rebeccah McLean
Director, First Nations Consultation
BC Energy Regulator
Rebeccah.McLean@bc-er.ca

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