This Week at BC Hydro

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October 30, 2009

BC Hydro gets direction on Burrard Thermal future

Posted by Simi Heer

The provincial government provided direction to BC Hydro and the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) on the use of our Burrard Thermal plant this week. Simply put, they have directed BC Hydro and the BCUC to look to clean, renewable sources for meeting B.C.'s future electricity needs rather than relying on Burrard.

Over the last few years, we have used Burrard primarily as a back-up resource. It's the only major generating facility located on the lower mainland, where the majority of our customers live. And, it will continue to be a valuable emergency back-up resource for us as the province has made it clear that we can continue to rely on it for 900 megawatts of capacity (this is the amount of power the plant can produce at a given moment in time if needed).

The direction from the government gives BC Hydro the opportunity to pursue additional clean, renewable and cost-effective sources of electricity. Watch for more details on the Clean Power Call and Phase Two of the Bioenergy Call in the coming weeks.

For more information, take a look at the Province's news release.