99/00	00/01	01/02	02/03	03/04	04/05
Electricity Trade Volume (GWh)	23,410	23,900	20,666	31,182	28,373	29,706
Average Sale Price (Dollars/MWh)	47	227	187	57	61	63

BC Hydro's electricity system is interconnected with systems in Alberta and the western United States. This interconnection facilitates sales and purchases of electricity outside British Columbia. Electricity trade activities are carried out by Powerex, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BC Hydro. While it engages in electricity trade, BC Hydro ensures its ability to meet domestic supply requirements is not put under undue risk as a result of these transactions. Electricity trade activities help BC Hydro balance its system by being able to import energy to meet domestic demand when there is a supply shortage in the system due to such factors as low water inflows. Exports are made only after ensuring that domestic demand can be met. Electricity trade revenues also include natural gas sales, which are related to thermal generation requirements.

Net electricity trade revenues for 2004/2005 were $1,022, an increase of $151 million from the prior year. This is due to an increase in the average sales price and volumes of electricity. The average sales price ($/MWh include electricity sales only) increased three per cent during 2004/2005 and electricity volumes increased by five per cent. The increase in market prices was caused by several factors including less energy available from low-cost hydro generation in the region and tighter natural gas supplies. The increase in sales volumes was due to an increase in trading activities in 2004/2005.