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BC Hydro let off the regulatory hook, again
BCUC reverses its decision to oversee BC Hydro’s planning of diesel replacements in non-integrated areas, despite pleas from First Nations. Introduction On October 22, 2024,…
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The City of Vancouver should allow the use of natural gas heating for new buildings
Using some natural gas for building heat may allow us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster and with less risk to the reliability of the…
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BCUC reverses yet another BC Hydro regulatory decision
Evidence is mounting that the BC Utilities Commission is no longer independently regulating the provincially owned electricity utility. Introduction On October 22, 2024, the BC…
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BC should reconsider its opposition to nuclear energy
We’re going to need a lot more electricity from somewhere, and the nuclear option is looking increasingly credible. Recent announcements Three recent items in the…
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BCUC closes Cambie Gardens complaint without resolution, but denies access to the reasons
The BCUC’s decision probably has valuable lessons for the thermal energy systems market in BC and may signal a change in approach to its regulation.…
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BC Hydro forced to rely on electricity imports last year
The drought caused BC Hydro to import $1.4 billion-worth of electricity last year. Profits from Powerex, its energy trading subsidiary, will subsidize the additional cost…
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BC Hydro’s operating expenses are growing too fast for comfort
BC Hydro’s operating expenses are rising considerably faster than inflation. This will work its way through to increased electricity rates. The latest results BC Hydro’s…
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BCUC approves FortisBC Fruitvale substation project
After detailed scrutiny by the BCUC, FortisBC’s Fruitvale substation project will go ahead, despite local opposition. But are the BCUC and the government applying the…
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BC Hydro revenues drop nearly a billion dollars in one year
BC Hydro’s unaudited revenues for the 2023/24 fiscal year are reported to be $7,131 million, a reduction of $896 million compared to the previous fiscal…
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Independent BCUC review of BC Hydro’s capital spending is at risk
On August 2, 2024, the BC Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation wrote to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) giving it advance approval…