BC Political Discussion: Election 2024 & 43rd Parliament

[whatnext]

Originally Posted by Changing City

I wasn't aware of any calls for power from BC Hydro for ten years after Site C was approved. Have I missed something?

Of course, with the provincial government green washing of LNG, and new demand from AI Centres, they will now need additional (non-carbon) sources of power, but those are relatively recent developments.

Apparently they're quietly asking for gas contracts for power.

BC Hydro quietly seeks gas contracts as power shortage looms
BC Hydro seeks to extend contracts with two major natural gas plants—a proposal that would undermine regulations requiring B.C. to build a grid free of fossil fuels by 2030
Stefan Labbé
33 minutes ago

Faced with an electricity shortfall, B.C. Hydro is seeking to extend contracts with two major natural gas plants, a policy reversal that challenges one of the province’s core climate goals.

In a May 28 submission to the B.C. Utilities Commission, the utility seeks approval to pursue new agreements with Island Generation, a gas power plant at an old mill in Campbell River; and McMahon Cogeneration, a gas-fired facility in Taylor in northeastern B.C.

B.C. Hydro chief regulatory officer Chris Sandve said in the submission that electricity demand is expected to skyrocket with the rise of data centres, electric vehicles, economic growth and large industrial customers like mines and gas export terminals....

https://www.biv.com/news/economy-law-pol...ntracts-as-power-shortage-looms-12366371