NEW SQWALK | OLD SQWALK QUICK LINKS    sqwalk.com BC Energy Archives    sqwalk.com Energy Archives    BC Energy Plan    Pipeline Safety Trust    Natural Gas Prices    About Greenhouse Gases    UNFCCC & Kyoto Protocol    RMI VI Energy Report    Earthquake Info    Coal Bed Methane(CBM)    Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)    NEB: GSX site    NEB: GSX decison    Joint Panel GSX report    VI Call for Tenders    EAO: VIGP    BCUC: VIGP decision    EAO: Port Alberni Gen    EAO: Port Alberni Cogen    EAO: Island Cogen		Energy in British Columbia: Year 2007 News, January to December Canadian natural gas vs LNG In an important sign of the times for the Canadian natural gas market, FirstEnergy Capital is now issuing weekly price updates about the global liquefied natural gas business. David Ebner, Globe and Mail, 26-Dec-2007 ... more 27 Dec 2007 Power line push continues in north Regional officials continue to press the provincial government to at least complete environmental and other studies needed for a planned $400 million power line up Hwy37 North even though it has frozen its development. Editorial, Terrace Standard, 19-Dec-2007 ... more 24 Dec 2007 Geothermal energy could meet half of B.C.'s electricity needs B.C. is sitting on a potential gold mine of clean energy in the form of superheated water located deep beneath the Earth's surface, says a researcher at the University of B.C. Chad Skelton, Vancouver Sun, 24-Dec-2007 ... more 24 Dec 2007 Debris left in streams cost firms $113,000 Two international oil and gas companies have been fined $113,000 after a 2006 investigation revealed that debris was being dumped into streams in a remote area of northern B.C. Linda Nguyen, Vancouver Sun, 20-Dec-2007 ... more 20 Dec 2007 Groups unite against Texada gas project Fifteen community groups from around the Strait of Georgia have banded together to fight a proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project on Texada Island. The Westpac LNG Corporation wants to build an LNG plant facility, a gas-fired generation station, as well as a high voltage power transmission power line on the island, all of which will bring increased pollution and risk of spills to the region. Media Release, LNG Alliance, 17-Dec-2007 ... more 18 Dec 2007 B.C. looks to tree debris for electricity Aiming to unlock the energy-generating potential of its iconic forests, British Columbia is weighing new policies that would encourage companies to buy debris left over from logging operations to use as fuel in power plants. Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 16-Dec-2007 ... more 17 Dec 2007 Mossadiq Umedaly appointed Chair of BC Hydro Board Mossadiq Umedaly has been appointed chair of the BC Hydro Board of Directors, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld announced today. NEW CHAIR APPOINTED TO BC HYDRO BOARD Media Release, BC Government, 14-Dec-2007 Umedaly named chair of BC Hydro board Vancouver Sun, 14-Dec-2007 ... more 14 Dec 2007 B.C. shale gas set to be next generation's oil sands In the remote north of the province, there is a vast warehouse of hydrocarbons lurking in difficult geology, waiting for the right combination of technology, economics and entrepreneurial guts to free them. B.C. shale gas set to be next generation's oil sands Patrick Brethour, Globe and Mail, 14-Dec-2007 B.C. trumps Alta. with $1B oil and gas haul Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post, 14-Dec-2007 Alberta falls behind British Columbia in oil, gas land sales Dina O'Meara, Calgary Herald, 14-Dec-2007 B.C. Trumps Alberta Claudia Cattaneo, Financial Post, 14-Dec-2007 B.C. drilling rights net record fees Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 13-Dec-2007 ... more 14 Dec 2007 Future of Alberta oil could be decided in B.C The future of Western Canada's energy industry may well be defined by what happens far from Alberta's foothills in the quiet town of Kitimat on British Columbia's picturesque coast. Charles Frank, Calgary Herald, 18-Nov-2007 ... more 19 Nov 2007 The public-private power debate Electricity in Alberta is a roller coaster of a free market, with entrepreneurs able to ride the hourly ups and downs in prices. British Columbia's take on private electricity is more of a merry-go-round: slow moving, predictable and just a little boring. Patrick Brethour, Globe and Mail, 02-Nov-2007 ... more 02 Nov 2007 Toxic water, empty promises: Province breaks promise Community groups across the province concerned with the provincial government’s reckless promotion of Coalbed Methane (CBM) were shocked and angered by a recent decision by the Government to allow continued dumping of toxic waste water from CBM wells into the Elk River, near Fernie, BC. Media Release, Citizens Concerned About Coalbed Methane, 01-Nov-2007 ... more 01 Nov 2007 B.C. far ahead of federal government in global carbon-trading market Whether it's a carbon tax, carbon caps or carbon trading, British Columbia is increasingly leaving Ottawa behind on the climate-change file. Justine Hunter, Globe and Mail, 30-Oct-2007 ... more 30 Oct 2007 B.C. gov't eyes carbon tax Finance Minister Carole Taylor yesterday told The Province she's considering the tax in next year's budget, as a way of reducing the burning of fossil fuels. John Bermingham, The Province, 25-Oct-2007 The second inconvenient truth: We must tax greenhouse gases Mark Jaccard, Vancouver Sun, 24-Oct-2007 B.C. mulls economic impact of carbon tax Globe and Mail, 26-Oct-2007 How Carole Taylor can go green Lisa Matthaus, Vancouver Sun, 18-Oct-2007 ... more 28 Oct 2007 B.C. needs to review natural gas royalties So much for the dire warnings that raising royalties was a multi-billion-dollar blunder, that it would spell, if not death, at least debilitating disease for a formerly healthy energy industry. But, hey, with oil at $90-plus a barrel, did you really think players in the energy patch would pick up their marbles and go home?Don Cayo, Vancouver Sun, 27-Oct-2007 ... more 27 Oct 2007 Directors grill power experts A panoply of government officials travelled to Powell River to meet with Powell River Regional District (PRRD) directors about the increasing number of independent power projects (IPP) in the area.Laura Walz, Powell River Peak, 26-Oct-2007 ... more 26 Oct 2007 Texada Island LNG proposal familiar to Coast A proposal to build the second-largest liquefied natural gas plant in British Columbia has Texada Island residents banding together to fight it, and Sunshine Coast residents recalling the fight to prevent a similar plan for Port Mellon in the late 1990s. Greg Amos, Coast Reporter, 26-Oct-2007 ... more 26 Oct 2007 Opposition to power deal could kill Kitimat smelter, Alcan says The District of Kitimat has again thrown down the gauntlet with aluminum giant Alcan Inc., and a company spokesperson says the dispute jeopardizes a proposed $2-billion aluminum smelter upgrade in the northwestern B.C. community. Don Whiteley, Globe and Mail, 18-Oct-2007 ... more 18 Oct 2007 Premier's fight for the planet unveiled There's a global-warming PowerPoint slide show now being given around town by the B.C. government that people may find sobering. It comes with some of the long-awaited specifics of how Premier Gordon Campbell's home-grown fight to save the planet is going to change our lives on the local level. Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 15-Oct-2007 ... more 17 Oct 2007 Texada Gas Project Raises Safety Fears Isn't there a principle of basic democracy involved here? Shouldn't a community have a say in whether or not a development, especially one which is potentially dangerous big time, be built in its backyard? Rafe Mair, The Tyee.ca, 08-Oct-2007 ... more 08 Oct 2007 Stolen Rivers Stolen Rivers, Common Ground, October 2007 ... more 06 Oct 2007 Seize the 'moment' for the Flathead Valley International pressure is building to save B.C.'s chunk of this wonderful piece of wilderness from industrial pollution Chloe O'Loughlin, Vancouver Sun, 06-Oct-2007 ... more 06 Oct 2007 Critics in for tough battle Political commentator and former BC politician Rafe Mair told people opposed to a proposed LNG storage facility and power generation plant to be prepared for the fight of their lives. Laura Walz, Powell River Peak, 04-Oct-2007 ... more 04 Oct 2007 Bad Gas on the Border Sours Relations ‘BP Stinks’ says Montana, Environmentalists; BC Back-pedals Press Release, Wildsight, 04-Oct-2007 ... more 04 Oct 2007 Northwest Transmission Line: news items Link to grid means more large projects in the region will be economically viableNorthern electricity deal a boon for mining Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 03-Oct-2007 ... more 03 Oct 2007 New transmission line will boost northern B.C. economy Government has asked the British Columbia Transmission Corp. (BCTC) to proceed with the $400-million Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) in northern B.C. News Release, Office of the Premier, 01-Oct-2007 ... more 02 Oct 2007 Regional board seeking talks Powell River Regional District directors will not comment on any more independent power project referrals until they can meet with provincial agency representatives to discuss the impact of the growing number of proposals and transmission lines in the area. Laura Walz, Powell River Peak, 27-Sep-2007 ... more 30 Sep 2007 Premier outlines new steps to tackle climate change The Province will introduce new legislative measures this fall that will mandate greenhouse gas reduction targets and provide legal tools to implement government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below current levels by 2020, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. News release, Office of the Premier, 28-Sep-2007 ... more 28 Sep 2007 B.C. provides additional tools for energy conservation The government will introduce legislation this spring requiring 50 per cent of all new incremental power needs to be offset through conservation by 2020 and will begin the process to seriously consider Site C, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention. News release, Office of the Premier, 28-Sep-2007 ... more 28 Sep 2007 Shell Canada files lawsuit in pipeline rupture Shell Canada has filed the first lawsuit stemming from Burnaby's recent oil pipeline rupture. The company filed court documents earlier this week in B.C. Supreme Court naming pipeline owner Kinder Morgan Canada, the City of Burnaby and Cusano Contracting. Brooke Larsen, Burnaby Now, 26-Sep-2007 ... more 28 Sep 2007 Hydro project sought for Pitt A B.C. power company is proposing a major hydroelectric project in one of the Lower Mainland's last best recreational fishing watersheds.The run-of-river project would divert water from eight streams in the Upper Pitt River and require a hydroelectric transmission line through Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. Larry Pynn, Vancouver Sun, 25-Sep-2007 ... more 26 Sep 2007 B.C. beckons Alberta's royalty-shy producers Spooked by proposals to significantly increase petroleum royalty rates in Alberta, Calgary's oil and gas producers are looking to British Columbia as a safer haven for their investments. Don Whiteley, Globe and Mail, 24-Sep-2007 ... more 25 Sep 2007 BC Hydro issue large-scale call for 'clean' power 5,000 gigawatt hours: BC Hydro's roster of clean, green electricity sources is about to get a lot bigger. Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 24-Sep-2007 BC Hydro targets clean energy in next call for power News Release, BC Hydro, 24-Sep-2007 ... more 25 Sep 2007 Asleep at the switch? Undersea power line damaged by Deltaport contractor. They dumped 25,000 tonnes of rock, gravel and sand in the wrong location, damaging two of the three 25-kilometre long undersea power lines that feed electricity to Vancouver Island from the Lower Mainland. Dan Ferguson, Black Press, 14-Sep-2007 ... more 17 Sep 2007 Liquid Gold: Energy Privatization in British Columbia John Calvert's new book about electricity privatization packs a thousand volts. The BC Government is gutting BC Hydro, and selling out British Columbians. ... more 16 Sep 2007 Deep snow, late spring keep Hydro reservoir levels high BC Hydro reservoir levels are at their fourth-highest level on record, thanks to this spring's unusually high snowpack. Michael Kane, Vancouver Sun, 12-Sep-2007 ... more 12 Sep 2007 B.C. Liberals' waste of energy The British Columbia Liberal government insists the path to a clean environment is for the province to become self-sufficient in its energy needs. It is a silly idea. Maureen Bader & John Williamson, Financial Post, 30-Aug-2007 ... more 03 Sep 2007 CSRD takes on Texada LNG proposal THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Comox Strathcona Regional District communicate to the Premier its request that the province extend provincial policy requiring 100 per cent carbon sequestration to all fossil fuel-fired projects in BC, including any liquid natural gas (LNG) electricity generating facilities. ... more 24 Aug 2007 Foundation of the BC Rivers Alliance A group of conservation, recreational and public power organizations have banded together to create the BC Rivers Alliance to fight the proliferation of private power projects on BC rivers. News release, BC Creek Protection Society, 22-Aug-2007 ... more 24 Aug 2007 Net Profit Royalty Program to fuel oil and gas growth British Columbia is launching a new Net Profit Royalty Program to encourage the development of oil and gas resources that have higher costs and technical complexity. Information Bulletin, MEMPR, 03-Aug-2007 ... more 24 Aug 2007 August rights sale shows strong interest in shale gas The Aug. 15, 2007 sale of oil and gas rights in British Columbia generated $149 million in bonus bids and had an average price per hectare of $1,122, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld announced today. News release, MEMPR, 17-Aug-2007 ... more 24 Aug 2007 Environmentalists urge B.C. to get tough on tug boats A tug tipped its load near Robson Bight, the favourite summer habitat of northern orcas, resulting in a diesel slick of 14 kilometres long and up to 50 metres wide as of Tuesday. Officials from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans estimate 199 litres of fuel have leaked out so far but as many as 10,000 litres of gasoline and diesel were on board the barge. CBC News, 22-Aug-2007 ... more 22 Aug 2007 Methane dispute reignites in B.C. A group of protesters, including members of the Tahltan and Iskut Indian bands, blocked a road in northwestern British Columbia yesterday, preventing Royal Dutch Shell PLC crews from heading into a contested region to do road repair work and reigniting a debate over coal bed methane exploration in the area. Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 22-Aug-2007 A methane battle is brewing Andrew Findlay, Georgia Straight, 23-Aug-2007 First Nation Blockades Shell's attempts to enter the Sacred Headwaters News Release, Dogwood Initiative, 21-Aug-2007 ... more 22 Aug 2007 Hydro must shed more light on Site C dam costs Are the days when it made economic sense to build large hydroelectric projects in B.C. long gone? The Canadian Taxpayers Federation certainly thinks so. Editorial, The Province, 20-Aug-2007 ... more 20 Aug 2007 New power link needs rethinking The dogmatic approach of BCTC and B.C. Hydro toward residents' concerns is not constructive to planning new generation and transmission facilities. Consider the costs of battling the public for eight years, rather than a constructive compromise. The monies wasted could have been used to make alterations to the projects to satisfy all parties and speed up their projects. Cecil Dunn, Times Colonist, 20-Aug-2007 ... more 20 Aug 2007 A Liquid Natural Gas Terminal for Texada Island An educated and discerning senior citizen, who is bright enough to quickly do a couple of cryptic crossword puzzles before sitting down for afternoon tea, said recently, “The best strategy is to oppose everything.” Before she is dismissed as a cynic, her strategy warrants some careful consideration. Ray Grigg, Campbell River Courier-Islander, 20-Aug-2007 ... more 20 Aug 2007 Alcan and B.C. Hydro sign new power agreement Alcan Inc. has signed a new contract for the delivery of its surplus power to B.C. Hydro until the end of 2034, the company announced yesterday. Alcan and B.C. Hydro sign new power agreement CanWest News Service, 17-Aug-2007 Energy deal boosts Alcan's smelter plan Nathan Vanderklippe, Financial Post, 17-Aug-2007 ... more 17 Aug 2007 LNG Terminal & Power Plant on Texada Island WestPac LNG Corporation today announced a $2.0 billion combined liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and natural gas-fired power generation facility that signals an important shift in its strategy to meet the future energy needs of BC coastal and Vancouver Island residents. WestPac News Release, 31-Jul-2007 $2 billion project Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 31-Jul-2007 Texada Island project could reshape B.C. energy sector Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 01-Aug-2007 WestPac changes plan for LNG terminal Wendy Steuck, Globe and Mail, 01-Aug-2007 Gas project merits closer scrutiny Editorial, Times Colonist, 02-Aug-2007 Gas power plant proposed Tom Fletcher, Black Press, 03-Aug-2007 Power play Editorial, Campbell River Mirror, 03-Aug-2007 Union opposed to LNG plant Ashley Ford, The Province, 03-Aug-2007 ... more 03 Aug 2007 BCTC responds to The Province's Brian Lewis In response to Brian Lewis's column, rerouting the upgraded transmission line to Vancouver Island via Deltaport rather than along the existing right of way through Tsawwassen was thoroughly considered by the independent B.C. Utilities Commission and found to be unfeasible. Jane Peverett, BCTC, The Province, 01-Aug-2007 ... more 01 Aug 2007 Huge Burnaby oil spill A 12-metre geyser of crude oil spewed from a broken pipeline in a Burnaby neighbourhood Tuesday, forcing people from their homes, contaminating the area and sending a thick, smelly torrent down storm sewers and into Burrard Inlet. Derrick Penner, Kelly Sinoski, Vancouver Sun, 24,25-Jul-2007 Oil pipeline accident causes spill in Burnaby, B.C. CTV.ca News Staff, 24-Jul-2007 Black Tuesday in Burnaby’s Westridge David Weir, Burnaby NewsLeader, 26-Jul-2007 From new home dream to oily mess Denise Ryan, Vancouver Sun, 26-Jul-2007 Pipeline company to review survey maps, but says B.C. spill wasn't its map error Terri Theodore, 680 News, 26-Jul-2007 Oil spill Jonathan Woodward, Vancouver Sun, 27-Jul-2007 Cleaning up a gooey mess Jonathan Woodward, Vancouver Sun, 27-Jul-2007 Clean up will take long time warns SFU professor Michael McQuillan, Burnaby NewsLeader, 27-Jul-2007 Oily mess turning up around inlet David Weir, Burnaby NewsLeader, 27-Jul-2007 ‘Too early to point fingers in spill’ Wanda Chow, Burnaby NewsLeader, 27-Jul-2007 Tank farm too close to housing says advocate Wanda Chow, Burnaby NewsLeader, 27-Jul-2007 Oil spill in Burnaby a harbinger for all of B.C. Margot McMillan and Andrew Gage, Vancouver Sun, 27-Jul-2007 Residents forced out by oil spill start returning home Jeremy Hainsworth, Globe and Mail, 28-Jul-2007 Beaches closed as 'big black globs' of oil spread north Jonathan Woodward, Vancouver Sun, 28-Jul-2007 Pipeline map issue still murky after spill Jonathan Woodward, Vancouver Sun, 31-Jul-2007 Burnaby oil spill will have long-term toxic impact: experts Live video of the rupture ... more 29 Jul 2007 New power plant proposed in B.C. Calgary-based Kitimat LNG announced on Friday that it is in negotiations with potential partners to build a combined-cycle power plant to be located in B.C. Calgary Herald, 28-Jul-2007 ... more 28 Jul 2007 P3s just put the bill in another pocket The Liberals made it policy that all future electrical generating capacity would be purchased from independent power producers. In this year's Public Accounts we see the fallout from that decision. Hydro added another $15 billion to its contractual obligations to purchase electricity from private producers through multi-year contracts. The total future obligation is now $28 billion for energy purchases. Craig McInnes, Vancouver Sun, 19-Jul-2007 ... more 20 Jul 2007 Penner blasts run-of-the-river critics Provincial environment minister Barry Penner says he doesn't have a lot of patience for those who oppose green energy projects without doing their homework. Penner was in town on Friday, for a visit which included a tour of the Upnit Power project, built by Hupacasath First Nation. Shayne Morrow, Alberni Valley Times, 16-Jun-2007 ... more 18 Jul 2007 Pursuit of self-sufficiency 'means higher energy prices' BC Hydro customers should brace themselves for higher electricity prices as a result of British Columbia's pursuit of energy self-sufficiency, critics warned on Monday. They say a recent B.C. cabinet directive instructing the B.C. Utilities Commission to make self-sufficiency its top priority, even ahead of price, means Hydro customers will be stuck with the bill for surplus power that will be sold to electricity utilities in the United States, most likely at a loss. Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 10-Jul-2007 Special Order No. 10 to the BCUC ... more 10 Jul 2007 Environmental groups worried about plans to drill for coalbed methane Despite claims to the contrary by Hillsborough Resources, local environmental groups are concerned about the company's plans to drill for coalbed methane in the Campbell River area. Hillsborough, owner of Quinsam Coal, and its partner Cornerstone Gas want to test drill for coalbed gas (CBG) in the area, including sites north of the Campbell River airport. But the company's claims of widespread consultation and positive feedback have been called into question. At least two local environmental groups are voicing serious concerns and the mayor was unaware of any such consultations. Dan Maclennan, Courier-Islander, 06-Jul-2007 ... more 07 Jul 2007 Power of the upper Pitt River The battered crew cab stops in a clearing in the upper Pitt River valley and Dianna Laustrup runs out from a little A-frame cabin with a welcoming wave. She's soon joined by her husband Chris, toddler in tow, wearing smiles. This is where Run of River Power Inc. wants to put seven turbines on the eight largest mountain creeks that feed the upper Pitt River and Chris is preparing for a battle. Phil Melnychuk, Maple Ridge News, 07-Jul-2007 ... more 07 Jul 2007 Privatizing Power Electricity isn't the only part of Hydro moving to the private sector. BC Hydro spokeswoman Elisha Moreno starts next week as communications director with-Plutonic Power Corporation. Russ Francis, Monday Magazine, 27-Jun-2007 ... more 28 Jun 2007 Standing Offer to advance Clean Energy Plan In support of the Province of British Columbia's Energy Plan, BC Hydro has released the draft terms and conditions for a Standing Offer Program for clean electricity projects of up to 10 megawatts, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Minister Richard Neufeld announced today. News Release, BC Hydro & MEMPR, 20-Jun-2007 BC Hydro's Standing Offer Program ... more 20 Jun 2007 Customers pay more for B.C. energy plan: study British Columbia's pursuit of energy independence is backfiring on BC Hydro customers who are being forced to buy expensive domestic electricity even when cheap import power is available as an alternative, according to a study paper obtained by The Vancouver Sun. Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 16-Jun-2007 Self-Sufficiency and Insurance: Exaggerating the Need for New Sources of Electricity Supply ... more 18 Jun 2007 Campbell should step in to divert this power project A Tsawwassen residents group's announcement last week that it's turning to the nation's top court to block a power project planned for its neighbourhood represents a milestone in the heated debate on this highly-charged issue. Editorial, The Province, 18-Jun-2007 ... more 18 Jun 2007 Tsawwassen residents try to fight the power Evidence of a direct link between electromagnetic fields that surround high-voltage power lines and serious health risks such as leukemia for those living or working nearby is increasing. But unlike other jurisdictions, B.C. politicians and regulators don't seem to give a damn. Brian Lewis, The Province, June 03, 2007 BCTC response, 01-Aug-2007 ... more 03 Jun 2007 B.C. ready for gold rush, Schwarzenegger says California's determination to slash greenhouse gas emissions is touching off a "new gold rush" worth tens of billions of dollars for companies taking a stake in the booming green energy sector, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Thursday at an economic summit in Vancouver. Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 01-Jun-2007 ... more 01 Jun 2007 Beat the Peak vs Turn it Off What Gabriola Islanders accomplished two years ago with their Beat the Peak demonstration has been picked up in Paris and Sydney. THEN BC Hydro noticed, and now it is touting a "Turn it Off" day. Gabriola to BC Hydro - was it the good idea, or the trip to Paris? Campaign urges power users to 'turn it off' Laura Drake, Globe and Mail, 16-May-2007 ... more 15 May 2007 BC's Billion-Dollar Wind Power Giveaway Public dollars gone with the wind. We're heavily subsidizing private power developers. Will Californians profit big? John Calvert, TheTyee.ca, 14-May-2007 ... more 14 May 2007 Huge 'Green' Boondoggle? The provincial government says a massive project to connect a stretch of northwestern B.C. to the North American power grid is a green initiative. But if the aim of the project is really to fight climate change, an environmental group says it knows a way it could save the province hundreds of millions of dollars. Tom Barrett, thetyee.ca, 26-Apr-2007 ... more 26 Apr 2007 Court dismisses Tsawwassen residents' appeal of power lines Tsawwassen residents fighting a power lines project learned Friday the 13th that their legal appeal had been dismissed. Maureen Gulyas, Delta Optimist, 14-Apr-2007 Victoria business is breathing a sigh of relief over an appeal court decision upholding earlier approvals for new electricity transmission lines to Vancouver Island. Richard Watts, Times Colonist, 16-Apr-2007 ... more 14 Apr 2007 Todd Butler: Coalbed Methane Blues Todd Butler, Canadian satirist and musician, wrote the Coalbed Methane Blues for everyone in British Columbia struggling to ensure that coalbed methane development doesn't happen in their backyards. ToddButler_CoalbedMethaneBlues.mp3 ... more 11 Apr 2007 BC's emerging electricity gap ... many of you may be surprised to learn that B.C. is now a net importer of electricity ... Bob Elton, Vancouver Sun, 10-Apr-2007 ... more 10 Apr 2007 Green power? Don't let a name fool you Gwen Barlee and Joe Foy are veteran B.C. environmental campaigners. They are far from naive. But this weekend, as they sat down to discuss strategy about the looming threat posed by hundreds of independent power projects in B.C, the first thing they had to admit was that they felt duped. Mark Hume, Globe and Mail, 09-Apr-2007 ... more 09 Apr 2007 Province's energy plans faltering When Premier Gordon Campbell took to the stage at his government's fifth annual natural resource forum in Prince George last week, he was in full salesman mode for the booming north. B.C. Hydro was among the sponsors of the natural resource forum. The main sponsor was, ahem, Alcan. Tom Fletcher, Goldstream Gazette, 06-Apr-2007 ... more 07 Apr 2007 B.C. Hydro won't appeal utilities commission ruling on Alcan power sale B.C. Hydro and Alcan Inc. have withdrawn their notices of intent to appeal a B.C. Utilities Commission decision to reject Hydro's power-purchase agreement with Alcan. Steve Mertl, Edmonton Journal, 03-Apr2007 ... more 03 Apr 2007 Needed: A good blueprint for Ottawa's green dollars How about this idea? Mr. Campbell proposes to use Canada EcoTrust money to provide clean electricity to remote rural areas now fuelled by dirty diesel. His example: the electrification of Highway 37. Building power lines to coal mines is not the way to spend Ottawa's green dollars. Mark Hume, CTVglobemedia, 02-Apr-2007 ... more 03 Apr 2007 Alcan free to sell power B.C.'s economic development minister says the northwest B.C. community of Kitimat needs to focus its energies on building a prosperous future after losing a bitter court battle with Alcan, the company town's largest employer. "We have been fighting to protect our community and one of the largest water resources in British Columbia for a number of years now, standing in where the provincial government should have been," said a statement attributed to Kitimat Mayor Richard Wozney and his council members. Dirk Meissner, Canadian Press, 30-Mar-2007 ... more 02 Apr 2007 Video: Private Water Power Licences Four people discuss the giveaway of BC's water resources. www.ourrivers.ca ... more 30 Mar 2007 A greener getaway takes root Part 5 of the Globe's Climate for Change series. This year, Michael Uehara will cut deeply into his company's bottom line as he starts a five-year project aimed at reducing by half the carbon footprint of King Pacific Lodge. Mark Hume, Globe and Mail, 30-Mar-2007 ... more 30 Mar 2007 From carbon steam to cash flow Part 4 of the Globe's Climate for Change series. The enormous aluminum smelters at Alcan Inc.'s Kitimat operations are one of the single biggest sources of greenhouse gases in British Columbia. Patrick Brethour, Globe and Mail, 29-Mar-2007 ... more 29 Mar 2007 How urban sprawl goes against the green Part 3 of the Globe's Climate for Change series. Within a quarter century, more than one million newcomers are expected to settle on B.C.'s south coast between Pemberton and Hope. How and where they live will make or break the B.C. government's new plan to tackle global warming. Deborah Jones, Globe and Mail, 28-Mar-2007 ... more 28 Mar 2007 The dirty little secret of importing power Part 2 of the Globe's Climate for Change series. Not all of British Columbia's electricity comes from mighty rivers and not all of it is clean. Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 27-Mar-2007 ... more 27 Mar 2007 The Globe's Mark Hume on the greening of British Columbia Part of the Globe's Climate for Change series. The Globe's Mark Hume was online Monday to answer your questions on his provocative question: Can B.C. make a U-turn to green?Q&A with Mark Hume, Globe and Mail, 26-Mar-2007 ... more 26 Mar 2007 Can B.C. make U-turn to green? Part 1 of the Globe's Climate for Change series. As Throne Speeches go, the one delivered in the British Columbia Legislature this year by Lieutenant-Governor Iona Campagnolo could only be described as electrifying. Mark Hume, Globe and Mail, 26-Mar-2007 ... more 26 Mar 2007 NO to transmission lines in BC's parks Run of River Power is proposing a cluster of seven small hydro projects in the tributary streams of the Upper Pitt River. The transmission route options include a route through Pinecone Burke Park. A very bad idea. Burke Mountain Naturalists letter to Environment Minister Penner ... more 23 Mar 2007 Former Hydro VP says it's about dam time British Columbia lost a major public asset two years ago when Yakout Mansour was lured to California. And now Mansour has a message for his home province: It's time to build the Site C dam. Michael Smyth, The Province, 04-Mar-2007 ... more 05 Mar 2007 Media responses to the Energy Plan The provincial government's new energy plan displays an intention to change -- the colour of the document's cover is now the politically correct green from the cool blue of the 2002 version -- but not by much. This is not the first energy plan this government has produced and its record for political management of BC Hydro has not been stellar. B.C. utility green levy to total $25 million annually Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 28-Feb-2007 B.C.'s new energy plan is green and ambitious and it won't be cheap Editorial, Vancouver Sun, 28-Feb-2007 "Climate change is real," said Energy Minister Richard Neufeld as he announced the plan. "And what effect human activity is having is in part real." Victoria demands big energy cuts Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 28-Feb-2007 Province explores building of third hydroelectric dam On Peace River, near Hudson's Hope Jeff Rud, Times Colonist, 28-Feb-2007 'Smart' hydro meters eyed for all homes Jeff Rud, Times Colonist, 28-Feb-2007 Sustainability is the key Editorial, Times-Colonist, 28-Feb-2007 Energy self-sufficiency plan means Site C to get new look-see Ian Bailey, The Province, 28-Feb-2007 B.C. energy plan set to hit consumers in the pocketbook Editorial, The Province, 28-Feb-2007 Peace River dam back in favour Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 28-Feb-2007 Electronic devices drive our energy use Glenn Bohn, Vancouver Sun, 28-Feb-2007 ... more 28 Feb 2007 The 2007 BC Energy Plan "A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership" http://www.energyplan.gov.bc.ca/ ... more 27 Feb 2007 Liberals about to roll out the Trojan Horse of Hydro borrowing The B.C. Liberals are preparing to lift a two-decades-old limit on borrowing at BC Hydro, freeing the giant utility to undertake hundreds of millions of dollars worth of new projects. Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun, 27-Feb-2007 ... more 27 Feb 2007 Endless Energy Project British Columbia could be energy self-sufficient by 2025 from renewable sources alone. Over that same period, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced to well below year 2000 levels. The GLOBE Foundation, 23-Feb-2007 ... more 27 Feb 2007 AES Sues County Over LNG Law After beating Baltimore County in U.S. District Court last month, AES Sparrows Point is gearing up for another court battle over a new law passed by the County Council to prevent the construction of a controversial LNG plant. Joseph M. Giordano, Dundalk Eagle (MD), 21-Feb-2007 ... more 21 Feb 2007 Wet'suwet'en Chiefs oppose coalbed methane After careful consideration of the risks and benefits of coalbed methane, we have decided to unanimously oppose the tenure for the Telkwa coalbed methane project. Together, we have decided against coalbed methane development in our territory. We call on the BC government and Norwest Corporation to honour this decision. ... more 21 Feb 2007 AESWapiti plans at a standstill AES's Tom Kunde said that he does not believe any sort of CO2 capture technologiy is a practical solution at this point - as has been suggested in some media reports. And as has been suggested by Premier Campbell John King, Dawson Creek Daily News, 20-Feb-2007 ... more 20 Feb 2007 Budget 2007 2007/08 provincial budget: $37.390 billion, up $2 billion from 2006/07. $1.150 billion surplus. Budget highlights Budget news release www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2007/ ... more 20 Feb 2007 Little green in B.C. budget, says Taylor, but books still in the black Taylor says there won't be any money in this year's budget to fund the ambitious green plan the government laid out in its throne speech. Dirk Meissner, 18-Feb-2007 ... more 18 Feb 2007 Vancouver Sun: Climate Edition British Columbians have bought into the reality of climate change like never before, but half wouldn't spend even $100 a year to save the world, if that money meant an increase in taxes, results of an exclusive new Vancouver Sun poll show. Climate. We'd act but not spend, poll finds Darah Hansen, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Standing United Glenn Bohn, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 We all can enlist in the war on climate change Stephen Hume, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Promising the world Darah Hansen, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 The man mapping out B.C.'s new energy plan Frances Bula, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Cities must control emissions Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Cities show a better way Frances Bula, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Public housing upgrade to pay off in eight years Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Global warming has hefty price tag Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Dion, Harper battle for clean air Peter O'Neil, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 How to change the world Rex Weyler, Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Going Green Vancouver Sun, 17-Feb-2007 Tory MP says fighting pollution may lead to domestic violence, suicide Mike De Souza, CanWest News Service, 17-Feb-2007 ... more 17 Feb 2007 VITR gets environmental approval A $248-million project to replace the 51-year-old failing power lines that link Vancouver Island to the mainland has been given the environmental green light. New power links to mainland deemed eco-friendly Bill Cleverley, Times Colonist, 16-Feb-2007 Construction Approval Granted Vancouver Island Transmission Project Nickle's Energy Analects, 16-Feb-2007 MAINLAND-VANCOUVER ISLAND TRANSMISSION UPGRADE APPROVED News Release, Environmental Assessment Office, 15-Feb-2007 ... more 16 Feb 2007 Gordon Campbell, Ian Bruce, Shane Simpson, Brad Hope on CKNW Good set of guests on CKNW the day after the Big Green Throne Speech ... more 15 Feb 2007 Media Response to the Throne Speech (2) B.C. needs to look beyond its borders to really go green Pete McMartin, Vancouver Sun, 15-Feb-2007 ... more 15 Feb 2007 Media Response to the Throne Speech (1) British Columbia crashed the climate change party in a big way Tuesday, elbowing past the rest of Canada and even California in the race to catch up to voters. Province announces major "green" initiatives in Throne Speech Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 13-Feb-2007 Green changes sweeping the province Miro Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 14-Feb-2007 B.C. goal: cut emissions by a third Jeff Rud and Lindsay Kines, Times Colonist, 13-Feb-2007 Many promises but few details Editorial, Times Colonist, 13-Feb-2007 New emissions strategy will hit home Les Leyne, Times Colonist, 13-Feb-2007 Premier's green plan will be the acid test for environmental concerns Editorial, Vancouver Sun, 14-Feb-2007 New rules threaten proposed coal projects Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 14-Feb-2007 Campbell must come clean with cost of his global-warming plan Editorial, The Province, 14-Feb-2007 ... more 13 Feb 2007 Climate Change section from the Throne Speech "We are obliged to act — individually and collectively — before the tipping point becomes the breaking point." ... more 13 Feb 2007 Throne Speech, 38th Parliament, 3rd Session, 13-Feb-2007 Without the companion documents - the Budget and the Energy Plan - a lot of what was said today in the Throne Speech could be empty promises. But taken at face value, and without more scrutiny, there are some very good statements in today's speech. For example: - Reducing B.C.’s greenhouse gases by at least 33 per cent below current levels by 2020 - 100 per cent carbon sequestration for any coal-fired electricity project ... more 13 Feb 2007 A coal fired valentine for Campbell ... more 12 Feb 2007 BC Hydro lets its customers down Premier Gordon Campbell was embarrassed politically in December when the B.C. Utilities Commission rejected a long-term power deal between BC Hydro and Alcan Inc. Now that the commission has released its reasons for the decision, however, it's apparent that the reddest faces should belong to the management team at BC Hydro. And not for the first time. Editorial, Vancouver Sun, 12-Feb-2007 ... more 12 Feb 2007 Campbell's Green Plan Premier Gordon Campbell has ordered a revamping of the province’s long-delayed energy plan to mirror California’s aggressive crackdown on greenhouse gas polluters, the Vancouver Sun is reporting. Milo Cernetig, Vancouver Sun, 10-Feb-2007 ... more 10 Feb 2007 There's no loss of power in Alcan's deals The more Alcan gets from selling surplus power to B.C. Hydro, the less it has an incentive to invest in its 53-year-old Kitimat smelter. Konrad Yakabuski, Globe and Mail, 08-Feb-2007 ... more 08 Feb 2007 B.C. energy deal vetoed over self-sufficiency test Rejecting a key point of a proposed power-sales agreement between Alcan Inc. and B.C. Hydro, the British Columbia Utilities Commission said yesterday the deal would not help make the province self-sufficient.Wendy Stueck, Globe and Mail, 03-Feb-2007 ... more 05 Feb 2007 British Columbia seeks more oil industry interest When it comes to oil and gas, British Columbia tends to get lost in the shadow of its prolific neighbor, Alberta, but officials want to change that, the Canadian province's energy minister said in Houston on Friday. Reuters, 02-Feb-2007 ... more 04 Feb 2007 BCUC Reasons for Decision (which killed LTEPA+ deal with Alcan) BCUC decision re LTEPA+, 29-Dec-2006 BCUC Reasons for Decision re LTEPA+, 02-Feb-2007 ... more 03 Feb 2007 Major Global Warming Report Prompts BC Response A diverse group of BC leaders is appealing to Premier Campbell for action on global warming on the occasion of the release of a major report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). ... more 02 Feb 2007 Rivers of Riches A fascinating investigative report by Arthur Caldicott explores the new gold rush for small hydroelectric generation opportunities in BC. Using maps, photos and drawings, he reviews the implications around these projects, a few of them already generating electricity and many others in the final steps of agreements with many more proposals yet to come. Delores Broten, Watershed Sentinel, 30-Jan-2007 Report available at Watershed Sentinel ... more 31 Jan 2007 Liberals in a climate-change corner over coal power The people backing two proposed coal-fired power plants in B.C. should be mighty nervous. Paul Willcocks, Times Colonist, 29-Jan-2007 ... more 31 Jan 2007 BC Hydro & Alcan appeal LTEPA+ decision VANCOUVER - B.C. Hydro and Alcan Inc. moved Monday to protect their right to appeal a decision by the provincial utilities commission that rejected a long-term energy purchase agreement between the electricity utility and aluminum company. Canadian Press, 23-Jan-2007 The NDP is urging the B.C. government to get Alcan back to the bargaining table to get a better deal on hydro-electric power produced at the company's Kemano power plant in northwestern B.C. CBC News Wednesday, January 24, 2007 ... more 26 Jan 2007 Hydro initiative in Campbell River aimed at changing habits If you could save money on your B.C. Hydro bill just by shifting your household routine a little, would you? About 2,000 B.C. Hydro customers are doing just that as they participate in a study called the Conservation Research Initiative, a 12-month process that gives participants a cheaper rate during off-peak hours. Sandra McCulloch, Times Colonist, 25-Jan-2007 ... more 25 Jan 2007 Residents gobble up unprecedented power Chilly Cowichan Valley residents helped set a record Saturday when BC Hydro reported clocking an all-time high demand for megawatts. Michelle Thompson, News Leader Pictorial, 20-Jan-2007 ... more 24 Jan 2007 Premier’s choices creating bad gas for B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell wants more electricity generated to supply our growing population and booming economy (and to sell into the U.S. market). Don Maroc, Cowichan News Leader, 17-Jan-2007 ... more 19 Jan 2007 Secret Energy Plan: Will Campbell Top Schwarzenegger? Environmentalists are hoping that Premier Gordon Campbell can measure up to a certain former action hero when it comes to fighting climate change. Rumours out of Victoria are that the Campbell government intends to announce action on greenhouse gas emissions soon. Tom Barrett, theTyee.ca, 09-Jan-2007 ... more 09 Jan 2007 Alcan can't 'justify' smelter deal Alcan Inc. will scrap the $2-billion expansion of its Kitimat smelter in British Columbia if it is not allowed to sell excess power at market rates, a company executive warned yesterday. Alcan can't 'justify' smelter deal Andy Hoffman, Globe and Mail, 05-Jan-2007 More Lies, Deceit, and Cover-Up. Robin Mathews, Vive le Canada, 07-Jan-2007 Utilities Commission kills Alcan deal ... more 07 Jan 2007 Outrider Energy Withdrawing from Telkwa Coalbed Gas Project What's next? A negative royalty? Media Release, Outrider Energy, 05-Jan-2007 ... more 05 Jan 2007 British Columbians oppose coal power: survey A new year survey found that British Columbians overwhelmingly want the province to enact climate change legislation with mandatory targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 69 per cent disagreed that BC should pursue coal-fired power. New poll shows British Columbians demand provincial law to reduce global warming Media Release, Sierra Legal, 02-Jan-2006 British Columbians oppose coal power: survey CBC, 03-Jan-2007 ... more 05 Jan 2007 BC ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2008 BC ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2007 BC ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2006 ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2005 ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2004 ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2003 ENERGY ITEMS FROM Jul 1, 2002 to Dec 31, 2002 ENERGY ITEMS FROM Jan 1, 2002 to Jun 30, 2002 ENERGY ITEMS FROM Sept 1, 2001 to Dec 31, 2001 ENERGY ITEMS FROM Jun 1, 2001 to Aug 31, 2001 ENERGY ITEMS FROM Jan 1, 2001 to May 31, 2001 ENERGY ITEMS FROM 2000 TOP
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