BC Utilities Commission has just rejected BC Hydro's 2008 call for power, effectively bringing the entire river privatization scheme championed by the Campbell government down to its knees.

A radio interview by Damien Gillis, one of Vancouver's most talented environmental documentary makers talks about this groundbreaking BC Utilities Commision's decision, as well as "run-of-river" private power projects in general HERE.

From Save our Rivers via Facebook:

We are at a critical point in the fight to save our rivers. And we need your help.

Last week the independent BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) determined that the BC governments long term plans to purchase expensive 'Run-of-River' energy was NOT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. This is good.

But the IPP industry is now lobbying very hard to undermine the BCUC's decision. Some are saying that BCUC decision favours fossil fuels.

This simply isn't true. And some are suggesting that the government pass a bill to take away the BCUC's influence. This would be undemocratic.

If there is one clear message that needs to be conveyed about BCUC's decision, it is this: WE NEED TO PURSUE CONSERVATION. Even if you
believe in 'run-of-river' energy, certainly it should be a last resort to sell our rivers, rather than a first choice.

But rather than pursue conservation, the government has ignored the recommendations of the "BC Hydro 2007 Conservation Potential Review".

According to this review, BC could do at least 2X better with conservation than currently planned. We could in fact drop back down to 2007 levels of consumption by 2027. What this means is that WE DON'T NEED EXPENSIVE 'RUN-OF-RIVER' ENERGY. Just as the BCUC determined. Please read the cover letter of the review for a good overview: here.

If we sit silently, the government may take away the BCUC's power and independence and invalidate its recommendations. WE NEED TO SPEAK UP.

At this moment there is uncertainty about the fate of run-of-river projects in BC. But we are certain - we don't want them. Please take a moment to let them know.

Sample Letter:

Subject: I Support the BCUC's Decision
To: premiergov.bc.ca
CC: env.ministergov.bc.ca
BCC: Commission.Secretarybcuc.com, provletterstheprovince.com,
sunlettersvancouversun.com

To Premier Campbell,

I support the BCUC's determination that the BC government's long term energy acquisition plans are not in the public interest. I believe that the government needs to follow the recommendation of the BC Hydro 2007 Conservation Potential Review and work harder to demonstrate leadership in conservation. We do not need to buy expensive 'run-of-river' energy.

Sincerely,

______________________