B.C. Hydro Open House

Utility outlines plan to meet electricity demand

6/4/2012

Northwest residents are getting a chance to weigh in on B.C. Hydro's latest plan to boost electricity production and rein in demand.

A series of open houses starts tomorrow in Prince George and will continue in Terrace on June 14th.

The utility says B.C.'s demand for electricity is forecast to grow by 50% over the next 20 years. One of the big draws would be proposed liquefied natural gas export plants at Kitimat and Prince Rupert.

The plan recommends B.C. Hydro build the Site C dam and reinvest in existing dams, as well as buy more power from private producers.

Along with completing the Northwest Transmission line, it also says the existing line from Prince George to Terrace will need to be reinforced.

The plan also suggests ways to encourage or force British Columbians to conserve more electricity.

The June 14th open house in Terrace is scheduled to run from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Terrace Inn.

Along with attending the open houses, the public can comment online. Separate consultations are also taking place with First Nations.