928 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

In January of 2024, BC imported 1.5 million MWh, and exported 600,000 MWh.

 

I've never denied this.  But we almost always export at a higher price than we import.  So we are a net exporter by dollar volume, and always have been.  Every year, forever.  We are both good at this, and have a natural advantage because it's easy to turn off and on hydro dams.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 06:06 AM.

[Mike K.]

That’s not what I’m talking about, though.

We are denying ourselves the use of natural gas energy in BC on environmental grounds, yet we are sending it to the US, where it gets converted to electricity, then buying it back at a majorly bigger price to use as green energy.

[Victoria Watcher]

That’s not what I’m talking about, though.

We are denying ourselves the use of natural gas energy in BC on environmental grounds

 

Well, that's how we operate.  Uncoordinated, and hypocritical.  Rural versus urban.

 

Like the urban deer debate, us city folks refuse to just dispatch them (like we did in the 70's and early 80s and all time before) so we let them roam and create issues.  Yet in the rest of BC will have hunters killing thousands of them that are not hurting anyone.

 

We ship coal but refuse to burn it, but there is very little difference at least in terms of atmospheric Co2 if it gets burned in Asia or here.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 08:02 AM.

[Mike K.]

And now you have BC Hydro igniting a gas power plant in Campbell River, because they realize the pending disaster? Or are admitting we have a problem?

Site C energy was so quickly allocated that it barely made a dent. What’ll happen if a major dam has to go offline in BC?

Electrification of everything is a fool hardy policy and we’re diving in head first.

[Victoria Watcher]

Site C energy was so quickly allocated that it barely made a dent. What’ll happen if a major dam has to go offline in BC?

 

We will import more.   Many posts ago I told you we only use a small percantage of the western interconnect available power.

 

We'd just do the same as you'd do if your water supply was interupted for a week.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 10:04 AM.

[Mike K.]

We will import more. Many posts ago I told you we only use a small percantage of the western interconnect available power.

We'd just do the same as you'd do if your water supply was interupted for a week.

If we can import more, why build so much domestic capacity?

There’s plenty of capacity when power isn’t needed, but the real test is when everyone needs it.

[Victoria Watcher]

Why is the arbitrary border of where the power ought to be generated at the provincial border?

Lots want BC to be electricity independent but nobody thinks the Island should be. Or Saanich should be. Or James Bay should be.

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 03 June 2026 - 03:32 PM.

[max.bravo]

Anyone who accepted the $5000 solar panel rebate over the last few years is getting this email

Net metering rate change

Hi CUSTOMER,

BC Hydro is closing the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) to new customers. Effective July 1, 2026, a new self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289) will apply. This is based on the decision made by the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) on our net metering service rate application.

What this means

In accepting your solar rebate, you had also accepted being moved to a new future rate once it came into effect as per the terms and conditions of the rebate. You can review the terms and conditions here.

As of July 1, 2026, this new self-generation rate will come into effect, and you will automatically be switched to the self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289). This change has no impact on your base rate. Base rates include the tiered rate or flat rate with or without time-of-day for residential customers, or general service rates for business customers.

Under this self-generation service rate (Rate Schedule 2289) BC Hydro will purchase your excess generation energy at 10 cents per kWh and you will be compensated each billing cycle instead of yearly.

Optional: Staying on the net metering rate

You have the option to stay on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) for up to 10 years if you repay your solar rebate of $5000 for account #. Most customers would not benefit from returning their rebate, however if you still need help deciding whether you should keep or return your rebate, you can compare rates and payback periods here (link redacted).

If you choose to repay your rebate to remain on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289):

You have until DATE to repay your rebate in full in a single payment.
You will remain on the net metering service rate (Rate Schedule 1289) for 10 years, starting from the initial net metering service start date of DATE.
After this 10-year period ends, you will automatically be transferred to the self-generation rate (Rate Schedule 2289).

Repay your rebate

Once you've submitted your repayment form, we will send a follow up email providing detailed payment instructions within three to five business days.

You can learn more about this rate change here. If you have questions, please contact us at customer.generation@bchydro.com.

Thank you,
BC Hydro customer generation team

[Victoria Watcher]

B.C. Hydro cancels plan to phase out gas-powered generation as electricity gap looms

 

 

Hydro has told utilities commission that it will need electricity from two gas-fired power plants beyond the date it hoped to turn them off

https://vancouversun...s-power-stopgap