Q&A: Javier Pacheco Raguz

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Javier in the cockpit of an F-35 Lightning II airplane at the Farnborough Air Show.

Javier Pacheco Raguz, Architect, Urban Planner and Energy Auditor

Javier Pacheco Raguz is an architect and urban planner with a Master of Science degree in GIS for Urban Infrastructure Management from the Netherlands. His background includes urban and transportation planning towards sustainability, and he has worked and carried out research in North and South America, Asia and Europe. After receiving training as an energy auditor in Canada, he founded his own enterprise – Think Efficient – which works with organizations to help them become more energy efficient. Javier has recently joined the Strategic Planning and Policy Division at TransLink, the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority.

Who do you represent on BC Hydro's engagement initiatives?
Although I am working to improve sustainability in energy initiatives for industrial, commercial and institutional buildings through my business, I represent residential customers on the Electricity Conservation & Efficiency (EC&E) Advisory Committee. I am participating not to advocate for low rates, but to be responsible enough not to ask for them. I do try to represent the interests of residential customers by keeping costs in mind, but I also consider what is good from a societal point of view. In that sense, I believe that low rates are not necessarily good for sustainability.

What BC Hydro initiatives are you currently involved in?
I joined the Electricity Conservation & Efficiency Advisory Committee in April of this year. I also promote Power Smart programs and services through my company, Think Efficient. Offering incentives for implementing energy efficient devices is a great way to get people involved.

What are your top two or three energy interests?
My top three energy interests are reducing energy consumption by using more efficient devices, changing consumer habits in energy consumption to more sustainable practices and ensuring the provision of energy in accordance with the growth and development of cities. When talking about energy conservation, I prefer to emphasize the responsibility each one of us has to the environment and to future generations, rather that just pointing out the economic benefits. We have to commit to sustainable practices to become a better society.

What are your top two or three BC Hydro interests?
I am interested in the Smart Metering & Infrastructure Program, split incentives in the rental market and creating a market for energy efficiency. I believe these initiatives would make a huge difference in energy efficiency and the involvement of our society in conservation. Every day I sit at my computer at dusk, and from my window I see these beautiful landscapes in North Vancouver full of yellow and white lights, and I wonder how many people here really understand the sustainability of our energy sources. The situation could become something similar to the economic breakdown we are experiencing. How many people foresaw that? Almost no one. Could something similar happen to our energy sources? Possibly. That is why when I look out of my window, I ask myself: will I be seeing the same view in the coming years? What would it take for all of us to be on the same page?

What motivates you to engage with BC Hydro?
I have always thought that in any societal matter you can be part of the problem or part of the solution. Being an efficient energy consumer and having smart practices at home or suggesting them to my clients is not enough; I think I can make the difference and inspire other people. In that sense, it is good to have the opportunity to have my voice heard by BC Hydro, providing advice in crucial matters related to our energy future as a society.

What are your top two recommendations to help BC Hydro become more stakeholder-focused and better able to meet your interests?
I think BC Hydro has to differentiate clients based on their understanding of the benefits of energy conservation. It is important to motivate customers in more ways than just financial incentives. Let's reward the real dimension of efficiency, which benefits our society as a whole, not just the customers' wallets.

What's your most memorable experience with BC Hydro?
Every Electricity Conservation & Efficiency Advisory Committee is a memorable experience, and participating in the discussions is interesting and fulfilling. The group is excellent and I feel proud to be part of it.