3 of 7 said:
OK...I stand corrected.....However, I do believe we are still a net exporter of electricity right? So what's the upside of spinning off the transmission from the generation to us? So we can burn natural gas and tires and wood waste to export more power?
Good question. Demand for power is
nearly exceeding our hydroelectric generation capacity, so we need to build new dams (a no-no in the green age) or new fossil-fueled plants. Rather than require tons of provincial borrowing to build new capacity, the idea is to stimulate the private sector to construct new generation. This way, users pay for the cost of power as it is used, rather than going into hock up front. It also taps the creativity and efficiency of the private sector, which is more likely to try small-scale and innovative generation technologies.
By separating the transmission from generation, BC has created an independant transmission authority that is not partial to favour BC Hydro over other generators. This creates a near-open-market scenario, with the long term goal of meeting BC's electricity needs as efficiently as possible.
Also, it allows for continued export of electricity generated in BC - excess power can be sent south, but generated here, which is good for the economy.
But what I really want is another Crow update 3of7!