Re: BC Hydro ratepayers have the right to cry foul, August 17, 2011.
A recent column about the Site C project requires clarification. Site C is being planned to meet B.C.'s growing electricity needs, which are forecast to increase by approximately 40 per cent over the next 20 years. BC Hydro's forecasting has a track record of being accurate and reliable, which was recently verified by a government-commissioned review of BC Hydro.
The review of BC Hydro also confirmed that "Site C is a reasonable cost alternative to meet load growth." As a publicly owned asset, Site C would benefit future ratepayers with clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity.
Furthermore, every dollar spent on Site C that will be recovered in rates is subject to a prudency review by the British Columbia Utilities Commission.
Finally, there will be significant regulatory oversight of Site C, as the project is in the early stages of a rigorous and independent environmental assessment process by both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office.
This process will include detailed effects assessments and comprehensive consultations with the public, First Nations, property owners, communities and stakeholders.
Hon. Rich Coleman
Minister of Energy and Mines
