Category: General commentary

FortisBC Energy Inc. (FEI) just announced that, as of July 1, 2024, it will be the “first energy utility in North America to automatically designate Renewable Natural Gas for customers.” What does this mean, and what will it cost? Is there a cheaper alternative? Introduction FEI is by far the largest natural gas distributor in…

BC is fixing its near-term electricity shortage, but there is potential for a much larger deficit if we want to expand LNG and mining production and also achieve net zero GHG emissions by 2050. Unless this is addressed, the BC government will face some unwanted trade-offs between its environmental and economic goals. Introduction BC Hydro…

The program will promote the adoption of EVs in BC, but ratepayers face paying a hidden $289 million subsidy to fund a cheaper overnight rate. The details This month sees the launch of BC Hydro’s “time-of-use” rate. Residential customers will have the option of receiving cheaper electricity in the overnight hours, in return for paying…

BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan does not take seriously enough the possibility of a large increase in demand for electricity, and treats the government’s CleanBC Plan as a “risk” rather than established policy. The BCUC’s review was not forceful enough in pointing this out. Introduction A recent report by Clean Energy Canada evaluated the Canadian…

Here’s a further update to my recent article on the future of rooftop solar and net metering in BC. My thanks to a reader who shared the source information from a recent BC Hydro net metering consultation session. It’s good news for net metering fans. As recently as February 2020, BC Hydro was arguing that…

Yes, that’s right. On April 30, 2024 the BCUC granted BC Hydro, BC’s largest electrical utility, a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) to build four “off-grid” public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations powered by propane generators. The sites are on Highway 97, approximately 113 km west of Fort Nelson, and on Highway 37,…

Bill 24 would allow cabinet to override the BCUC’s authority to regulate electricity service and rates for BC’s cryptocurrency businesses. This is neither necessary nor wise. (Following publication of this article, bill 24 became law on May 16, 2024) Background In December 2022, the government directed the BCUC to suspend, for eighteen months, BC Hydro’s…

The BC government is not making much progress in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Will it be tempted to soften or even repeal its targets? This has happened before. The targets The BC government’s “Climate action and accountability” web site currently shows its GHG emission reduction targets compared to 2007: The same targets for 2030,…

A reader asked recently about the future of rooftop solar and net metering in BC, and how these could help meet future electricity demand. My response was that we should wait for the outcome of BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan proceeding. The BCUC’s decision was issued on March 6, 2024. Sadly, there’s not much to…

You may have seen BC Hydro ads on social media recently offering free portable air conditioning units. If you meet the definition of a low-income household (earning less than $60,800 for a 3-person household, for example), or have a letter of recommendation from your regional health authority, BC Hydro will buy you a portable air…