Legislation would give BC Hydro greater flexibility to import electricity from U.S. and would repeal mandate that B.C. be self-sufficient in electricity supplies in average or above-average water conditions
Saya Masso, tribal administrator for the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation near Tofino, B.C., is shown at the Indigenous group's Winchie Creek hydroelectric project on Vancouver Island.Leaders of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation on Vancouver Island have seen the future of energy, and it’s filled with small, renewable electricity projects.
The Tla-o-qui-aht have invested $50-million in three hydroelectric projects, also known as run-of-river hydropower: Canoe Creek opened in 2010, followed by Haa-ak-suuk in 2014 and Winchie Creek in 2018. The Hupacasath-led China Creek project near Port Alberni began producing run-of-river power in late 2005, securing a 20-year contract to supply BC Hydro with electricity. There is no guarantee the contract will be renewed in 2025. “I’m seriously worried about the renewal,” said Ms. Sayers, who argues that the government is underestimating the trend of electrification.The B.C.
IPPs say the shakeup will harm dozens of small producers in the province, especially those with contracts up for renewal over the next decade. “Our fear is that BC Hydro would go to imports,” said Laureen Whyte, the executive director of Clean Energy BC, a group representing IPPs. “The legislative amendment to remove the self-sufficiency mandate will allow BC Hydro to consider clean-energy resources outside B.C. if it makes sense to do so,” BC Hydro spokeswoman Tanya Fish said. “It keeps our rates low and it ensures we continue to provide clean power.”
Bruce Ralston, B.C.‘s Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, defends Bill 17 as a consumer-friendly change. “Clean and affordable are the watchwords that we’re guiding ourselves by,” he said.
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