news
January 21, 2009
Hot topic: clean energy
Over the next 20 years, BC Hydro expects demand for electricity to increase by as much as 30% as B.C.’s population grows by more than one million. That means we will continue to need to find new sources of clean energy while keeping B.C.’s electricity rates affordable.
BC Hydro is meeting the need for new energy by promoting conservation, buying from independent power producers, investing in existing assets, and investigating new resource options such as the Site C project.
Clean Power Call
BC Hydro has launched a Clean Power Call and expects it to provide a significant amount of firm, clean energy from independent power producers. Although we are currently targeting 3,000 gigawatt hours for planning purposes, we may acquire up to or more than 5,000 gigawatt hours if prices are cost effective.
In the recent 2006 Call for Power we targeted 2,500 gigawatt hours and secured 7,300 gigawatt hours.
Standing Offer Program and Bionergy Call
In addition to the Clean Power Call that targets larger projects, BC Hydro has established the Standing Offer Program that targets smaller clean-energy projects, and the Bioenergy Call for Power that targets energy from wood waste, including wood infected by the mountain pine beetle.
A conservation mandate
We’re taking conservation to levels unprecedented in North America. The BC Energy Plan challenged BC Hydro to meet 50% of future new electricity demand through conservation and we are continuing to meet and exceed that target.
BC Hydro is spending $3.4 billion over two years reinvesting in our existing hydro-electric facilities, and transmission and distribution systems that supply clean electricity to B.C. homes and businesses. (link to “Investing in BC’s clean, renewable system”)
Helping reduce B.C.'s carbon footprint
Together, these programs represent a major advancement in the development of clean, renewable energy in B.C. At the same time, they help B.C. reduce its carbon footprint and meet its goal of becoming electricity self-sufficient by 2016, so we are no longer dependent on imported dirty energy.
At least 90% of the electricity BC Hydro generates will continue to come from clean or renewable sources.
All new generation projects in B.C. will have zero net greenhouse gas emissions.
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Source: BC Hydro
