Category: General commentary

The questions are a good start. But the BCUC should go further, and initiate a formal inquiry. Introduction BC Hydro’s Site C dam was completed in 2025. While BC will probably be grateful for this new supply of firm energy, the project was a year late and more than $7 billion over budget. In May…

We should understand the real cost of maintaining our energy independence. Are we willing to pay for it? Introduction Since 2016, BC’s Clean Energy Act has required BC Hydro to “achieve electricity self sufficiency,” meeting its needs solely from generating facilities within the Province. And yet, it has imported nearly two billion dollars worth of…

The trend is improving, but we’re still feeling the effects of the drought Annual reports According to BC Hydro’s annual report to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for 2024/25 (F2025), it imported more electricity than it exported for the second year in a row. The $496 million cost of the net imports was less than…

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to look back at my predictions for 2025. How clear was the Just and Reasonable crystal ball? 1. The BC government will fail to meet its 2025 GHG emission reductions target I’d say this prediction was mostly on the money. BC’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are…

Operating expense increases will likely cause rates to rise after the government-imposed rate cap expires. It shows the folly of the BCUC abandoning its plan to impose some fiscal discipline on the utility. Introduction BC Hydro just released its second quarter results for fiscal 2026 (F2026), the financial year ending March 31, 2026. There was…

Despite a tight vote in the legislature, the steady erosion of BCUC independence continues. Some of the government’s statements in the debate need correcting. Introduction The BC Legislature recently debated Bill 31, also known as the Energy Statutes Amendment Act, 2025. Bill 31 enables BC Hydro to share ownership of its proposed North Coast Transmission…

The upgrade will improve energy security for Fortis’s customers, and the BCUC has confirmed the need for a natural gas system for decades to come. Introduction FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) is BC’s largest natural gas distribution utility, serving 1.1 million customers in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and the Interior. On October 27, 2025, the…

Why doesn’t the plan support the province’s climate goals? And where is the energy coming from for customers of the proposed North Coast Transmission Line? Introduction BC Hydro, the province’s largest electric utility, has filed its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. Plans such as this are intended to ensure utilities anticipate the investments they must make…

It appears the government is considering subsidies for customers to use the line, which may not be fully used. The project should be funded by taxpayers rather than BC Hydro’s ratepayers. Introduction The provincial government announced last week that it wants to build a new transmission line to BC’s north coast to support new mining…

The government is avoiding scrutiny and giving BC Hydro too much discretion, while at the same time rationing power to BC’s emerging economy. Introduction On Monday the BC government introduced new legislation, Bill 31, to “help us move faster on the North Coast Transmission Line”, a new $6 billion project to deliver power to Terrace…