BACKGROUNDER
2002EM0022-001009 Nov. 25, 2002		Ministry of Energy and Mines
CLEAN ENERGY, CONSERVATION AND NO NUCLEAR POWER SOURCES

Environmental responsibility is one of the cornerstones of Energy for Our Future:  A Plan for BC.   The plan encourages conservation and energy efficiency to help reduce the need for, and environmental impacts from, new generation.  In addition, the plan ensures nuclear power will not be a part of B.C.’s energy future.

 

The new plan encourages distributors to work toward acquiring 50 per cent of new electricity from clean sources, delivering a net environmental improvement compared with current sources.  The 50 per cent standard is the first of its kind in Canada.

 

Clean energy sources include:

·        Wind, solar, tidal, wave and geothermal energy.

·        Innovative new technologies like fuel cells.

·        Small- and micro-hydro projects.

·        Cogeneration projects that produce electricity and useful heat simultaneously, typically in large industrial settings. For example, industrial plants may produce heat that can be used in the manufacturing process and for general space heating.  These plants are more fuel-efficient and use less fuel overall compared with plants where there is no cogeneration. This results in a net environmental benefit.

·        Fuels that are not fossil-based, such as hydrogen and ethanol.

 

Conservation and energy efficiency measures include:

·        New rate structures for BC Hydro’s industrial and large commercial customers.  Time-of-use rates will provide lower prices for power used during off-peak periods, while stepped rates will encourage reductions in overall consumption by charging more for energy used above a threshold while avoiding increases in electricity bills.  Thresholds will be set by the B.C. Utilities Commission.

·        New efficiency standards.  The Energy Efficiency Act will be updated and enhanced, establishing new energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment sold in the province.

·        Energy efficiency measures.  The plan includes new measures to improve energy efficiency in buildings.

·        Customer programs.  BC Hydro’s PowerSmart, Aquila’s Power Sense and BC Gas’s Homeworks programs are examples of successful conservation and efficiency programs.  Disincentives will be removed to encourage their expansion.

 

No nuclear power sources:

Nuclear power is supported by some jurisdictions as a solution to meet growing energy demands without increasing greenhouse gas emissions. However, nuclear facilities pose other unacceptable financial and environmental risks.  B.C.’s vast non-nuclear energy sources can be effectively harnessed to meet the province’s energy needs in an environmentally responsible way.  Nuclear power is rejected as a potential energy source for British Columbians.

 

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Media contact:	Maureen Murphy Communications Director 250 952-0621