Add stepped rates to Hydro

Editorial
Nanaimo News Bulletin
May 17 2005

Only a community like Gabriola could rally together for such an environmental cause.

Unhappy with the prospect of the Duke Point power plant, a high number of people in the community got together to demonstrate to B.C. Hydro that they can reduce the demand on electricity during peak power periods.

The results were encouraging. The island's overall use of electricity rose only about one-quarter of the amount it normally does during the peak afternoon/evening hours.

Peak hours were targetted as an answer to the idea that the power plant must be built to address the impending shortfall in Vancouver Island's energy supply.

It's a worthwhile demonstration in another respect. It's likely very few people think about the overall energy demands placed on B.C. Hydro when they turn on their dishwashers or dryers. But if everyone took it to heart, Gabriolans have it right - the Duke Point plant probably wouldn't be needed.

The problem is habits are quite different. Many people will continue to come home at the end of the day and fire up all their electrical appliances because it's convenient to them. Growth means more people will be doing the same, necessitating Duke Point. But a little incentive will help.

B.C. Hydro's industrial customers are already on stepped or time-of-use rates. There's no reason a similar system can't be introduced for residential customers.

Many people might grumble about the prospect of having to pay more for using electricity when they want. However, if our habits keep up, we will have to build yet another expensive power plant and increase our reliance on natural gas to support our habits. That will increase the cost of electricity with no choice for any user.

Stepped rates will reward those willing to lessen the peak demand, which helps us all in the end.

- News Bulletin editorial board

See also Power experiment proves conservation is the answer