[casper]

Originally Posted by Changing City

As Casper noted, we're already connected to California. Our system is part of the Western Interconnection, and BC Hydro's trading arm, Powerex, buys and sells to California when it's necessary or financially advantageous.

They note "in recent years, more and more renewables, like solar, have become available on the market from places like California. Just like with any other product, the price of electricity will fluctuate depending on the amount of supply and demand. Solar generation is highest during mid-day and often there is so much that it can lead to low prices. Powerex will often purchase power during these times at a much lower cost, and sometimes they’re even paid to take the excess electricity."

We're also already connected to Alberta. "One of B.C.’s electricity trading partners is Alberta. While it is one of our closest neighbours, imports from Alberta represent just 3% of all imports into B.C. In fact, B.C. exports six times as much as it imports from Alberta, which helps to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions there."

Not certain how Powerex is currently doing things. There was a period they we typically selling power to California during the daytime peek when they were able to get top dollar. Then overnight reducing flow on the hydro resources and buying power back from California. California historically has had lot of base load capacity and as a result excess power during late evening.