Bill Bennett, B.C. Energy Minister: "We are in a unique position."
The lifestyle British Columbians enjoy is powered by our wealth of natural resources. Those natural resources built this province, and the development and export of minerals, natural gas and clean energy continue to fuel B.C.'s economy.
The Clean Energy Act builds upon our unique heritage of hydroelectric electricity generation plus our abundance of clean, renewable energy resources. The act moves a number of public and private clean power developments forward and will result in a growth of wind, biomass and run-of-river projects.
We are actively working toward developing export opportunities, to markets such as California. Many states and provinces want to reduce their emissions by replacing electricity generated from carbon-intensive fuels, and we are in a unique position to offer these jurisdictions clean and reliable power generated at competitive prices.
We will need to work with independent power producers as we seek and advance these opportunities. BC Hydro, as required under the act, will present to government an integrated resource plan on export opportunities. In the meantime, the province is committed to working collaboratively with the independent power industry.
Under the act, electricity exports will be undertaken when they can be demonstrated to be in the best interest of British Columbians where long-term contracts are secured and there is no additional cost to electricity ratepayers. B.C.'s energy sector will continue to help fund vital social services such as health care and education and support families across the province.
The Clean Energy Act will put clean, renewable energy resources to work for B.C., creating jobs and economic opportunities, while reducing our carbon footprint within and beyond our borders. The act will help ensure that we continue to enjoy the benefits of our clean, reliable and cost-effective power for many years to come.
Bill Bennett is Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources for British Columbia