To the editor:
In the late 1980s, BC Hydro and the Socred government of the day faced a challenge they had not previously faced - trying to meet British Columbia’s growing energy needs at a time of growing environmental concern and controversy around the construction of large hydro dams.
In response, BC Hydro and the Socreds embarked on two important policy initiatives that were designed to delay, for as long as possible, the construction of new hydro dams, such as the Site C dam on the Peace River.
Energy conservation measures, designed to help reduce energy demand, were one of these key policy initiatives. The other policy was to seek out new supplies of energy from independent power producers (IPPs) to help satisfy overall increases in energy demand.
For those who’ve been led to believe that IPPs were created by Gordon Campbell and the B.C. Liberals, IPPs have been a significant part of B.C. energy policy since the late 1980s. IPPs in B.C. predate the B.C. Liberal government by more than a decade.
Even more shocking for those who’ve been misled about IPPs in B.C. is the fact that the NDP government of the 1990s continued to encourage and support IPPs as a key part of B.C. energy policy.
In 1992, NDP Energy and Mines Minister Anne Edwards stated: “British Columbians expect reasonably-priced power, with no rate-shocks or unnecessary new projects. They also expect low environmental impacts, regional economic benefits and long-term sustainability in their energy sector. Independent producers have a big role to play in making sure we reach those goals.”
Nothing has changed today or over the past decade. British Columbians still expect reasonably priced power, no rate-shocks, low environmental impacts and many other benefits.
Energy conservation and energy from IPPs remain among the pillars of B.C. energy policy, and both continue to play a major role in making sure the province meets its energy objectives.
David Field, co-spokesperson
B.C. Citizens for Green Energy