Liberals' new energy moves draw mixed reaction

Scott Simpson
Vancouver Sun
August 27, 2009

The provincial government's plan to "maximize" B.C.'s green electricity sector drew cheers and jeers on Wednesday.

The B.C. Liberals announced in this week's throne speech that they will strike a "task force" to beef up renewable energy development -- including private sector projects -- with an eye to export electricity sales.

The Independent Power Producers association of B.C. was "very encouraged"
by the announcement, which comes a month after the BC Utilities Commission
(BCUC) rejected BC Hydro's plan to expand the private power sector.

BC Citizens for Public Power executive director Melissa Davis condemned the move, saying, "The government is well aware of widespread disapproval of their plan to privatize B.C.'s electricity sector.

"We can expect exorbitant profits to go to private power producers who are generating new sources of power to be sold to BC Hydro for grossly inflated rates," Davis said.

Private-sector power development has been a fundamental tenet of Liberal energy policy since the party took power in 2001, and the speech committed the government to giving the BCUC "specific direction" to continue that development.

"That task force will be asked to recommend a blueprint for maximizing British Columbia's clean-power potential, including a principled, economically viable and environmentally sustainable export development policy," Lt.-Gov. Steven Point said in the speech.

"It will review the policies, incentives and impediments currently affecting B.C.'s green-power potential, and it will identify best practices employed in other leading jurisdictions."

Harvie Campbell, chair of the independent producers association, said the government has been "rock-steady" in its commitment to new electricity generation and in Tuesday's speech, "reinforced" that vision.

"This gives us certainty," Campbell said. "This gives us clarity and it really instills that confidence, particularly in the investment community, that this province is going to move forward with its green economy.

"It stands out across North America in terms of the potential resource and the potential to grow that green economy."

The government said it will phase out BC Hydro's aging Burrard thermal generating plant, which is maintained at present as an emergency backup power supply.

It will also provide direction to the utilities commission to support development of new renewable power supply.

"Whether it is the development of Site C [hydroelectric dam], run-of-river hydro power, wind, tidal, solar, geothermal, or bioenergy and biomass -- British Columbia will take every step necessary to become a clean-energy powerhouse, as indicated in the B.C. Energy Plan," the speech said.

ssimpson@vancouversun.com

Blog: www.vancouversun.com/energy

Posted by Arthur Caldicott on 27 Aug 2009