Social

BC Hydro has three social long-term goals:

• The First Nations goal is to establish relationships built on mutual respect and that appropriately reflect the interests of First Nations.
• The Stakeholder Engagement goal is to be the most respected company in B.C.
• The Suppliers goal is that 100 per cent of suppliers have values congruent with those of BC Hydro.

BC Hydro will continue to be a socially responsible company, with the goal of becoming British Columbia’s most respected company over the next 20 years. Areas of focus will be building strong working relationships with First Nations and resolving historic grievances. At the same time, we will listen to, engage and involve stakeholders and First Nations in our business decision-making in order to build long-term relationships and make different and better business decisions. We will also partner with suppliers who support the triple bottom line approach to business to ensure that all aspects of our operations are sustainable. In fiscal 2005 BC Hydro adopted a Social Responsibility Policy (below), which captures our corporate commitment to social responsibility.

Social Responsibility Policy:

BC Hydro is committed to producing, acquiring and delivering electricity in an environmentally, socially and financially responsible manner.

Our primary social responsibility is to provide a long-term supply of reliable and low-cost electricity to our customers in a financially sound manner. Because our business depends on building and maintaining healthy relationships with stakeholders, customers. Aboriginal communities and employees, we will act ethically and in a manner worthy of their respect.

Specifically, BC Hydro:

• Contributes to the well-being of the communities we serve through grants, scholarships, philanthropy and community service.
• Respects and responds to the diverse cultures and interests of customers and the communities where we live and work.
• Builds relationships and encourages specific stakeholder engagement, particularly where community input can contribute to better decisions.
• Invests in our employees’ health, safety and capacity for leadership.
• Is accountable for our actions and impacts, responding promptly to incidents or risks arising from our business.
• Conducts our work in a manner that demonstrates a polite and respectful attitude towards the property of others.
• Seeks products, services and new supplies of energy that take into account environmental and social responsibility.
• Promotes the principles of energy efficiency and resource conservation.