The B.C. Citizens for Green Energy (BCCGE) has claimed that lumping the U.S.-generated electricity the province is entitled to under the Columbia River Treaty and calling it an export is “misleading and even somewhat disingenuous.”
BCCGE spokesperson David Field said in a release Thursday morning, “You can’t really consider electricity generated in the U.S.A. under the Columbia River Treaty to be an electricity export from B.C.”
The BCCGE, which advocates for more independent power production in B.C. and less energy importation, said that revenue generated by BC Hydro subsidiary Powerex from B.C.’s Columbia River entitlement is one reason electricity rates in B.C. are lower than many other jurisdictions in North America.
“We can’t conveniently bring that power into B.C. for our own use because there is no direct transmission line from the Columbia River generating facilities. That’s why Powerex [which imports and exports energy to and from B.C.] has always sold it directly to the American market and generated considerable revenue for the people of this province.”
The group said that even if a transmission line to B.C. from the Columbia River generating plants was constructed, the electricity the province would obtain would not be enough to match the projected growth in its population over the next few decades.
Field said run-of-river, wind, biomass and other renewable green energy resources in the province can supplement what BC Hydro generates and allow the utility to replenish its reservoirs so they are fully charged for when we need the power.