Launch Your Geothermal Electric Power Generation Business in Burnaby Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Geothermal Electric Power Generation business in Burnaby under NAICS 221116. You will find a clear overview of the six requirements, the permits you will need, and the cost picture and timeline from planning to operation. It is designed to be friendly and actionable, so you can move from concept to a compliant, working project with confidence and accessible financing options.
You will learn exactly what the six requirements cover, how and where to apply for permits, typical capital and operating costs, and key milestones like environmental considerations, interconnection with the grid, and local approvals. The guide also highlights potential incentives, risk factors, and best practices to streamline the process, including timelines and regulatory milestones.
Burnaby’s strategic location, strong infrastructure, and supportive energy policies give geothermal developers a solid start. Combined with access to skilled labor and a growing demand for clean power, Burnaby is a practical launchpad for this business. This makes Burnaby a compelling, long-term base for scaling.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a geothermal electric power generation business in Burnaby is the BC Utilities Commission Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This is a legal permit you must obtain before you can generate and sell electricity as a utility in British Columbia, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and determines your ability to access the grid and serve customers.
Beyond CPCN, you’ll need to cover mandatory operational health and safety and regulatory permits. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your workers, along with a solid safety program, training, and incident reporting. These steps protect your team and keep you compliant with provincial rules. CPCN is the big regulatory hurdle, but you’ll also want to align with any related environmental and interconnection requirements as part of your project plan.
For Business Registration and Tax, you’ll need to secure a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, and register your BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Plan for GST/HST registration to handle value-added tax and Payroll Deductions Registration for employer payroll withholding. These registrations create the financial and administrative backbone for running the business smoothly and staying compliant.
Next steps can feel like a lot, but you can tackle them in a practical order. Start with the CPCN application and requirements through the BC Utilities Commission, then set up your BN and BC name registration, followed by GST/HST and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can help you build a simple, step-by-step 90-day plan to get all these pieces in place. You’ve got this— taking it one solid step at a time will get you there.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a geothermal electric power generation in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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BC Utilities Commission Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Certificate required for construction or operation of public utility plants, systems, or extensions in British Columbia under the Utilities Commission Act Apply to BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for CPCN before constructing or operating public utility infrastructure. Application must be filed minimum 30 days before desired effective date. BCUC may issue, refuse, or issue partial certificate with conditions. Apply to energy utilities including electricity, natural gas. Contact: BCUC at 604-660-4700.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your geothermal electric power generation:
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The BC CleanBC Industry Fund (CIF) uses carbon pricing revenue to support emission-reduction projects at large industrial facilities in British Columbia. Two funding streams are available: the Innovation Accelerator (supporting pilot or demonstration projects using pre-commercial clean technology at TRL 7–8) and Feasibility Studies (supporting desktop viability studies for future …
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The Alberta Carbon Capture Incentive Program (ACCIP) provides non-repayable grants equal to 12% of eligible capital costs for new CCUS projects, including equipment to capture, compress, transport, store or utilize carbon dioxide. The program is retroactive to January 1, 2022, meaning eligible capital costs incurred since that date qualify. Grants …
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Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) launched six prize-based challenges under the Impact Canada Initiative's Clean Technology Stream, backed by $75 million in federal funding announced in Budget 2017. The challenges—including Crush It!, Power Forward, Sky's the Limit, Charging the Future, Women in Cleantech, and the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative—used prize-challenge methodology to …
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A refundable 15% investment tax credit (reduced to 5% if labour requirements not met) on eligible clean electricity property including wind, solar, hydro, tidal, nuclear, and abated natural gas generation, stationary storage systems, and interprovincial transmission equipment. Available to taxable corporations, Crown corporations, municipal/Indigenous-owned corporations, and pension investment corporations. Property …
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The Clean Hydrogen ITC applies to eligible property acquired for use in qualified clean hydrogen projects from March 28, 2023 to December 31, 2034. Credit rates of 15%, 25%, or 40% depend on the lifecycle carbon intensity of hydrogen produced (lower intensity = higher credit). Clean ammonia equipment: 15%. Rates …
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