Category: General commentary
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Will BC Hydro’s ratepayers get “zapped” again?
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BC Hydro’s latest call for clean power is being trumpeted as a success. But the energy is going to be expensive, and there are concerns it won’t be available soon enough. Introduction In 2019, the BC government released the “Zapped” report commissioned by the minister of energy to look into purchases of energy under the…
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Are economic issues derailing BC’s climate agenda?
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The energy minister’s new marching orders have different priorities than a year ago, and may reflect a new degree of realism in the face of financial constraints. Introduction On January 16, 2025, BC cabinet ministers received their “mandate letters” from the premier; public statements of his expectations of them and their ministries. Mandate letters are…
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Eight predictions for BC’s energy sector in 2025
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It’s time to gaze into the regulatory crystal ball. Here are some predictions for 2025, from the safe bets to the really long shots. 1. The BC government will fail to meet its 2025 GHG emission reductions target Likelihood: Take this one to the bank. Let’s start with an easy one. The government still maintains…
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Fortis residential gas bills rose 17.5 percent on January 1
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This is a shocking increase in one year, which the BCUC should have considered smoothing out. But worse may be to come – and it’s clear the BC government’s energy affordability objectives don’t apply to gas customers. Introduction On December 5, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) announced that gas rates for FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI),…
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BCUC agrees to a more robust process in BC Hydro Fort Nelson proceeding
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In addition to letters of comment, interveners will now get to make a final argument, but the BC Sustainable Energy Association still won’t be able to participate. Introduction Earlier this month I described some procedural issues with the BC Utility Commission’s review of BC Hydro’s proposed long term resource plan for Fort Nelson. The BC…
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BCUC agrees public has right to see reasons for Cambie Gardens Energy decision
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In a win for transparency, the BC Utilities Commission reverses an earlier ruling that its reasons for the Cambie Gardens Energy complaint decision should be confidential. Background The matter concerns a complaint filed jointly by SUCCESS Affordable Housing Society (SUCCESS) and the City of Vancouver (City) against Cambie Gardens Energy Limited Partnership (Cambie Gardens Energy).…
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BCUC bars environmental advocate and denies due process in BC Hydro Fort Nelson proceeding
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The BC Utilities Commission’s failure to conduct proceedings in a public and open manner is undermining its credibility as an impartial adjudicator. Introduction The BCUC has been cutting back on public involvement in its proceedings all year. In the name of regulatory efficiency, a worthy enough cause, it has declined to involve public advocacy groups…
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BC Hydro let off the regulatory hook, again
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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, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) reversed an earlier decision that had ordered BC Hydro to develop a long-term resource plan for its non-integrated areas, and instead accepted the utility’s proposed…
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The City of Vancouver should allow the use of natural gas heating for new buildings
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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 electricity grid. Introduction In July, the City voted to reverse its 2022 policy banning the use of natural gas for heating and hot water in new homes in the municipality,…
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BCUC reverses yet another BC Hydro regulatory decision
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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 Utilities Commission (BCUC) reversed an April 2023 directive that BC Hydro submit a long-term resource plan for its non-integrated areas. Non-integrated areas are places where BC Hydro provides electricity service,…