IRAHVOL appeals BCUC VITR decision

August 8, 2006

Island Residents Against High Voltage Overhead Lines (IRAHVOL) is asking the BC Court of Appeal to hear its case seeking that the Court:

1. set aside the BCUC decision (approving VITR) of July 7, 2006;

2. order the BCUC to give the VITR application "full and proper consideration"; and

3. award costs to the appellant, IRAHVOL

The grounds on which the appeal to the Court are being made are that the BCUC erred in law by:

1. "Holding that the incremental benefits to the province from increased trading activity by third parites using the ... Juan de Fuca transmission project ... have not been confirmed or corroborated ..."

2. "Holding that the cost of securing 550 megawatts ... on the Bonneville Power Administration system would be approximately $10.2 million per year"

3. "Accepting BC Hydro's submission ... " that there would be no "substantial trade benefits from increased transmission transfer capabilities between Canada and the United States."

4. "Concluding that ... the impacts of VITR on property values in the Gulf Islands ... will have no significant impact on average property values..."

5. "Holding that the public convenience and necessity in section 45 of the Utilities Commission Act is to be determined by the most "cost effective" option and not what is in the public interest"

6. "Failing to consider the actual impact on rates ..."

7. "Holding that the existing right of way agreements permitted the construction of the new overhead lines..."

The document is signed by IRAHVOL's counsel, David Austin.

Scan of IRAHVOL letter to BC Court of Appeal, 08-Aug-2006