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BC Hydro's draft power plan released for consultation

Bill Bennet is directing BC Hydro to release its draft Integrated Resource Plan
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Bill Bennett

Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister responsible for Core Review, is directing BC Hydro to release its draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and undertake a final round of consultation with First Nations, key stakeholders and the public.

The draft IRP includes BC Hydro's recommended actions to meet an expected 40 per cent increase in the province's electricity demand over the next 20 years while keeping rates affordable.

From the time BC Hydro was created more than 50 years ago, British Columbia has built some of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Generations of British Columbians have benefited from the foresight of these historic investments.

Today, the population is growing, the economy is expanding and new technologies are advancing every day. Through the IRP process, BC Hydro is planning to meet the province's future electricity needs.

The plan's recommendations ensure BC Hydro will be able to support the unprecedented economic potential in B.C.’s north, including the development of the liquefied natural gas industry. Furthermore, the plan prioritizes conservation so customers have the ability to reduce their electricity bills through a range of programs and incentives that help them use less electricity.

BC Hydro produced an initial draft of the IRP for public consultation in May 2012. Additional consultations, which will run to Oct. 18, will provide the opportunity for comments on changes that have been made to the draft IRP since that time.

Government has also directed BC Hydro to seek additional feedback on the variables that can impact electricity forecasts and on its contingency plans to address those variables.

Following these consultations, BC Hydro will re-submit its IRP for consideration by government by Nov. 15, 2013.

To read BC Hydro's draft IRP or to participate in the consultation process, visit www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/meeting_demand_growth/irp.html.