Category: General commentary

Cuts to spending on pipeline safety have thankfully been reversed. But the Utilities Commission’s squeeze on PNG’s operating costs highlights the regulator’s special treatment for BC Hydro. Introduction Pacific Northern Gas (PNG), which serves central and northern BC, is the province’s second largest gas utility, after Fortis Energy Inc. (FEI). Both utilities are regulated by…

Lil’wat Nation demands BC Hydro pay more for its privately generated electricity because of Aboriginal ownership, citing DRIPA. BC’s Attorney General argues they should not. Introduction In December, the BC Court of Appeal’s Gitxaala decision found that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (aka UNDRIP) sets the “minimum standards” though which…

It’s one of the better options for the reliable power the province needs. The sooner we get started the better. Introduction In the two years since Just and Reasonable was launched, readers have kindly provided me with many insights into BC’s energy business, and more than a few juicy rumours. One recurrent theme has been…

New modelling shows BC Hydro needs to double the amount of electricity it currently generates by 2050, but it’s not clear how this could be done safely. The BCUC should insist the utility be more transparent about its plans. Introduction BC Hydro’s electricity shortages have become more serious of late. The utility is now expecting…

BC Hydro now forecasts it does not have the capacity to meet peak demand by 2030, and that’s not including electricity required for the North Coast Transmission Line. Are we heading for winter evening blackouts? Introduction Almost two years ago, I wrote about BC Hydro’s looming electricity shortfall. Since then, the utility has been busy…

After a bureaucratic reshuffling, reports of CleanBC’s death might not be exaggerated. Introduction The Tyee recently reported that the BC government has “quietly eliminated its Climate Action Secretariat”, the group responsible for CleanBC, the province’s flagship environmental program. The campaign director from Stand.earth is quoted as saying this “puts the final nail in the coffin…

Rationing electricity for new data centres and artificial intelligence businesses is bad for our economy. The government should be bolder, and expand the opportunities for private sector generation. Introduction It’s well known that BC Hydro has a looming energy shortage. The utility will have a deficit by 2030, and can’t meet the government’s own 2030…

The recent budget suggests the BCUC will be sidestepped again. It’s been years since BC Hydro’s rates were set independently; the new Auditor General should take a good, hard look. Introduction As part of setting just and reasonable rates, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) usually determines how much net income a utility is allowed to…

From misleading government press releases to statistical revisions, it’s hard to be sure BC has made any progress at all reducing GHG emissions. And things are about to get worse. Introduction The BC government has one job when it comes to its climate change activities – reducing GHG emissions in the province. It has legislated…

The government has been promoting electrification without knowing where the electricity will come from. The dire consequences for BC’s economy are becoming clearer. CleanBC The NDP took office in BC in 2017 thanks to support from the three Green party MLAs. The price of the Greens’ support included a promise that the NDP would “Implement…