Where I stand on BC's Private v. Public Power Controversy

Dr. John Calvert's book "Liquid Gold: Energy Privatization in British Columbia" ( published by Fernwood Publishing) chronicles in great detail how we are losing a key public asset and to whom. Likewise the work of SFU's Dr. Martin Shaffer,"Lost in Transmission: A Comprehensive Critique of the BC Energy Plan" is highly informative (available at the COPE 378 website). Both of these reports expose the incredible stupidity of the BC energy policy and the virtually give-away, of scarce micro-hydro water licences to the private corporations. The private power produced is ostensibly not firm or reliable power, it is mostly produced during the spring freshet, when BC already has a surplus of power, and thus it is available at the wrong time of year. Of course, the private power producers want to store, at public subsidy their non-firm power behind our public dams, to somehow convert that non-firm power into more valuable firm power. The price to consumers of that power, especially when you add in the BC Transmission line inter-change costs that will be incurred by the BC Transmission line will be extremely costly- see recent headlines in the Vancouver Sun - of 25% of more rate increases coming. Worst of all, the public gets no ownership of the assets of the private energy corporation- it is privately owned not publicly owned. Then there are the environmental impacts. [b]Presently there are 128 approved licenses on 115 water courses in British Columbia. There are 435 licence applications on an additional 466 water courses. This implies there are a total of 563 current and potential licenses on up tp 581 water courses. The environmental assessment process is deeply flawed. Check out my article on that at: www.vivelecanada.ca/article.php/2008021501250 Google ourrivers.ca --and see the CTV show called Blue Gold Rush, and the video called Power Play. With a majority government there is nothing her Majesty's Loyal Opposition can do to halt, reverse or stop this. Perhaps, you, as a voter, can organize a group of people in each constituency, arrange an appointment with your MLA, and demand, accountability for why he or she votes to support this BC Energy Policy. Demand, indeed, instruct your MLA, that you want an immediate moratorium placed on the issuance of further water licences for power generation, and a cease work order on all projects currently under construction. Demand a full public debate on BC Energy's Policy between the Minister responsible and people such as Dr.Calvert and Dr. Shaffer. Read my critique of the Environmental Assessment process to see how deeply flawed it is. In 2012 the new rates will kick in, along with the new power smart meters at you home...you wont' be singing or dancing when you pay for private energy's bill or the BC Liberals ill-considered Energy Plan. What is happening here, is that the electrical energy of British Columbia, and the remaking of BC Hydro and BC transmission lines, are being deeply integrated into the continental system, to sell power to the USA, at continental prices, all for the ostensible benefit of Capital, and not at all in the interests of ordinary Canadians, small business, First Nations or the environment. Presently (Feb 2008) BC Hydro has contracts to purchase private electrical power from those private companies in excess of $28 billion dollars--all of which has to be paid by BC electrical rate payers. Once again, those corporations are reaping the benefits and externalizing their costs. As for BC First Nations receiving benefit from Hydro-electrical generation, just like in Manitoba, I support the provision, of a 33% equity position in all existing and future public power projects provided they drop their support and equity involvement in private power projects.

Note: www.vivelecanada.ca/art...

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Where I Stand On BC's Private V. Public Power Controversy

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