May 8th, 2014
Report concludes new energy and capacity resources required to meet future demand
VANCOUVER – BC Hydro provided its initial response today to the release of the Joint Review Panel Report on the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C).
"Based on our initial review of the report, we're pleased that the Joint Review Panel confirmed that there will be a long-term need for new energy and capacity, and that Site C would be the ‘least expensive' of the alternatives to meet this growing demand," said Charles Reid, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "We have an obligation to support B.C.'s economic growth and meet the long-term electricity needs of our customers, and that's what we're doing with Site C."
The Joint Review Panel report states that after a significant upfront capital cost, Site C: "…would lock in low rates for many decades, and would produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy than any source save nuclear."
The Site C project is being proposed to meet long-term electricity needs in B.C. BC Hydro forecasts that the demand for electricity will increase by approximately 40 per cent in the next 20 years and new sources of supply will be required. An emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and significant electrification of vehicles could further increase the demand for electricity in B.C.
"While there will always be some variability with long-term load forecasting, our methodology has been independently reviewed and accepted by the British Columbia Utilities Commission, as well as a 2011 government review," said Reid.
To meet future growth, BC Hydro is proposing aggressive conservation measures – 78 per cent of future demand is to be met through demand-side management. In addition, BC Hydro is reinvesting in existing facilities, buying electricity from clean energy producers, and proposing to build Site C.
Reid explained that BC Hydro's analysis of resource options found that Site C provides the best combination of financial, technical, environmental and economic development attributes compared to alternatives.
"All new electricity-generation projects have environmental impacts, including Site C," said Reid. "That's why BC Hydro has undertaken years of detailed studies to identify and assess potential effects from the project, and has proposed a comprehensive set of mitigation measures that are expected to largely offset these effects."
The Joint Review Panel report is part of a three-year environmental assessment process that has included more than 29,000 pages of evidence being filed by BC Hydro.
The report of the Joint Review Panel will be part of the consideration by federal and provincial governments as they make a decision on environmental approvals for the Site C project. Decisions are expected within six months. The provincial government must also make a final investment decision.
Subject to approvals, Site C would be a source of clean, renewable and cost-effective electricity in B.C. for more than 100 years.
The Site C Clean Energy Project is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. Site C would provide 1,100 megawatts (MW) of capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity each year – enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per year in B.C.
Construction of Site C is subject to environmental certification, regulatory permits and authorizations, and a decision to proceed.
BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable power to British Columbians for more than 50 years while maintaining among the lowest rates in North America. BC Hydro is a provincial Crown corporation that serves 1.9 million customers and invests in the electrical system and in energy conservation to deliver a safe and reliable supply of electricity for today's customers and for generations to come.
Craig Fitzsimmons
604 786 5711