While BC Hydro cuts back on new clean energy projects, it struggles to keep up with demand in Fort Nelson. A growing population and booming economy have increased consumption by 50 per cent in just a few years. By 2013 demand will grow by up to 200 per cent. BC Hydro’s solution? Develop more dirty power in B.C. and import more dirty power from Alberta.
At exactly the same time, U.S. president-elect Barack Obama takes the opposite approach: “To finally spark the creation of a clean energy economy, we will double the production of alternative energy in the next three years.”
BC Hydro’s cutbacks are another step backwards for a Crown utility that seriously underestimates our electricity needs.