I read and hear the many complaints about the high cost of electricity.
People need look no further than the destruction of B.C. Hydro as it was set up by W.A.C. Bennett. It was an efficient utility supplying electricity to most of B.C. at a reasonable price.
Then along came Gordon Campbell, Rich Coleman, Christy Clark and all who decided B.C. Hydro should be dismembered.
Customer service went to an outside group, transmission lines to another, new power to be produced by non-B.C. Hydro people.
B.C. Hydro was thus left as a shadow of its former robust self.
Next, run of the river power was introduced as a new source of electricity. Private bidders were given permission to build “necessary” dams, roads, transmission lines, etc. Many of its 45 completed projects and 23 others under construction are on fish rivers, so could have a damaging effect.
There are many more applications forthcoming.
B.C. Hydro was not allowed to bid but instead was forced to assume a $50 billion contractual obligation to buy the run of the river power which comes when B.C. Hydro has plenty (spring runoff time.)
Unfortunately, Powerx (CEO paid nearly $1 million) can only get a much lower price than the price B.C. Hydro is forced to pay, so you and I pay high electric rates to allow for this “business deal.”
B.C. residents used to enjoy the lowest electrical costs — our climate and geography allowed this — but our present distressing and unnecessary situation came about directly due to Gordon Campbell and his Liberal government’s dangerous and inept handling of our public utility.
Electricity is essential to modern living. B.C. has been robbed of its ability to have low electrical rates that used to give a competitive eye to business and be a boon to homeowners.
Sheila White
Summerland
