BC Hydro is seeking public input on a draft plan for how to deal with the 50% jump in electricity demand that it expects within 20 years, as a result of resource development in northern B.C.
Recommendations in the utility's draft integrated resource plan include:
- conserving more electricity through voluntary programs, incentives, codes and standards;
- building more power generation, including the Site C dam, which is currently in the environmental and regulatory review stage; and
- buying more electricity from clean energy producers, including wind and run-of-river.
BC Hydro wants customers to view the draft plan at www.bchydro.com/irp and provide feedback by July 6.
That input can come via either an online response form, by registering to take part in a webinar on either June 25 or 26 or by attending one of five open houses across the province.
The Vancouver open house is scheduled to be held at the SFU Harbour Centre campus on June 12 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
In 2011, BC Hydro conducted provincewide consultation to gather development of the integrated resource plan. A separate consultation process for First Nations is also under way, involving regional workshops this summer.
