I join my fellow Canadians in urging our federal government to enact stronger global warming laws and policies.
Press Room
News Release: BC Regulator Sides With Fossil Fuels
Power Up Canada - PowerUP Canada calls on BC Government to Take Action For Clean Energy
July 28, 2009, Yesterday the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) rejected BC Hydro’s Long Term Acquisition Plan (LTAP) with a 238 page decision that was a serious blow to the clean energy transition and climate leadership in British Columbia.
“The BCUC decision would result in
increased dependence on dirty energy and rising greenhouse gas emissions. It
flies in the face of BC’s Climate Action Plan and could result in clean energy
investment and jobs leaving the Province,” said Tzeporah Berman, Executive
Director of PowerUP Canada.
BCUC recommended increased reliance on the aging, inefficient and polluting Burrard Thermal Plant (pg 115) and requested BC Hydro do an analysis of the cost effectiveness of decreasing electric demand by using natural gas for heating/hot water instead of clean electricity in new residential and commercial construction (pg175-179). The BCUC further rejected funding to complete the Clean Power Call process.
“At a time when the United Nations is calling global warming the greatest threat humanity has ever faced and competing
jurisdictions are racing to build a clean energy economy, the idea that BC
would continue reliance on fossil fuels is absurd,” continued Tzeporah Berman.
“The BC Government needs to step in and assure the public and investment community that this province is committed to climate leadership and developing a clean energy economy.”
The lack of planning for climate solutions is further apparent in BCUC’s refusal to ensure that BC Hydro’s demand forecast include demand for electric vehicles (pg 53-55).In contrast this month the Ontario government announced new subsidies, plans for charging stations and special carpool lanes to support the expansion of electric cars.
One bright point in the decision is that the Commission has begun to recognize the importance of energy conservation (DSM) measures. However even on this topic, the BCUC throws existing laudable efforts into disarray by rejecting the DSM plan.
For more information:
Tzeporah Berman: 604-313-4713
www.powerupcanada.ca
Blog: www.zerocarboncanada.ca
Twitter/tzeporah
