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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
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Year 2003 News, January to December
End of the line for low-cost gas
Imports from Canada have reached a limit
Dec 27, 2003
A new outlook by the US Energy Information Administration says the U.S. can only count on gas imports from Canada to
stay at current levels of about 3.6 trillion cubic feet per year through 2010.
After that, a steady decline is forecast to cut the annual Canadian supply to
the U.S. to 2.6 trillion cubic feet by 2025. The EIA formerly predicted Canada could be relied upon to
increase annual gas exports to 4.8 trillion cubic feet by 2005.
A new short-term deliverability report by the National Energy Board concludes, "The Board projects
deliverability from the WCSB to decrease from 462 million m3/d (16.3 Bcf/d) at the end of 2002 to
448 million m3/d (15.8 Bcf/d) by the end of 2005."
Gordon Jaremko, Edmonton Journal ... article
US Energy Information Administration report ... report
National Energy Board 2003-2005 deliverability report ... PDF
The Joint Review Panel, however, dismissed evidence of diminishing
natural gas supply, including the NEB's own forecasts, and accepted GSX-PL's assertion that "markets" would ensure
the availability of gas to GSX. We have said it before: building GSX is like adding another cod trawler to the east
coast cod fleet.
Ministers approve VIGP under Environmental Assessment Act
Dec 22, 2003
The review found that the project would not have significant adverse effects...
Today's decision provides greater certainty for those bidders who expressed interest in the
VIGP assets and will assist BC Hydro in seeking and evaluating tenders for alternative proposals, some
of which may be located on the same site.
The decision was made by the ministers of Water, Land and Air Protection, Sustainable
Resource Management and Energy and Mines following referral from the Environmental Assessment Office.
Environmental Assessment Office ... news release
EAO certificate, reasons, and assessment report ... PDFs
Note that this approval is
explicity intended to help BC Hydro sell VIGP and have it
resubmitted through the Call for Tenders.
Williams pipeline blows up; Shutdown ordered
Dec 13, 2003
Williams Northwest Pipeline that transports BC gas south to California blew up outside of Portland
Oregon today. This pipeline was already operating under reduced
pressure "watch" conditions due to suspected vulnerabilities.
This reminds us of one of the early concerns with GSX - a natural gas pipeline is a very long explosive device.
It also reminds us of Williams' track record in Washington State - nearly the worst inspection and testing record in the state.
Arthur Caldicott, Williams - not wanted in anyone's backyard ... article
Scott Ayers, Bellingham Herald, Dec 20, 2003 ... article
Craig Welch, Seattle Times, Dec 20, 2003 ... article
KOMO news ... news item
Rigzone, Dec 11, 2003 ... article
Washington State Pipeline Inspection and Integrity Review ... report
BCUC to review Call for Tenders process
Dec 11, 2003
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BC Hydro has posted a schedule for a review of the Call for Tenders process. It begins Dec 15. There's a
forum for VIGP interveners in Nanaimo on Dec 19 (Coast Bastion, 8:30-1:00), comment period to Jan 9 and the BCUC to issue its
opinion on Jan 23.
BC Hydro distribution list ... PDF BC Hydro invitation to forum ... PDF BCUC re review process ... letter (PDF) BC Hydro re review schedule ... letter (PDF) |
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NEB grants conditional approval to GSX
Nov 28, 2003
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The National Energy Board have granted approval to the GSX Pipeline project, conditional on VIGP being built. The Panel have largely dismissed evidence and arguments presented to them by the GSX Concerned Citizens Coalition and other interveners, particularly in key areas such as justification for the project, gas supply, electricity issues, gas prices, and alternatives to GSX, especially subsea cable replacement. No consideration is made of recent events, such as Terasen's upgrade proposal to their existing pipeline, or the BCUC decision to deny a permit to VIGP. |
NEB Reasons for Decision ... PDF (5 MB)
Government of Canada accepts Panel conclusion on GSX
Nov 21, 2003
GSX is one step closer to federal approval, but still has two significant steps to go - BC
Hydro has not yet seen light at the end of its GSX tunnel. This Cabinet approval refers
the project back to the Panel and the NEB for a decision and report under the National
Energy Board Act. Following that decision, Cabinet again have the final say.
Herb Dhaliwal, Government of Canada ... news release
Arthur Caldicott, GSXCCC ... comment
Thomas Hackney, GSXCCC ... comment
BC Hydro announces parties list for Call for Tenders
Nov 14, 2003
GSX is one step closer to federal approval, but still has two significant steps to go - BC
Hydro has not yet seen light at the end of the tunnel. Today's Cabinet approval refers
the project back to the Panel and the NEB for a decision and report under the National
Energy Board Act. Following that decision, Cabinet again have the final say.
BC Hydro announcement of participants in Call for Tenders ... news release
GSXCCC ... comment
CFT Pre-Qualification Workshop Presentation ... pdf
Bill 75 - Significant Projects Streamlining Act
Liberals give cabinet a meat axe
Nov 4, 2003
On November 3, the BC government introduced Bill 75, the Significant Projects Streamlining Act,
the latest in the Liberal deregulation drive. "Where previous efforts snipped through red tape one strand at a
time, the Significant Projects Streamlining Act takes more of a meat-axe approach." says Vaughn Palmer.
This anti-democratic act will allow the Premier or cabinet to designate a project as "provincially
significant" and expedite its approval. Along with the Environmental Assessment Act,
the Right to (Fish) Farm Act, and the Working Forest legislation, major project decision making will move
comprehensively out of regulatory and review processes, out of the Legislature, and into the Premier's
office. Bill 75 is accompanied by an order-in-council appointing Jessica McDonald as Deputy Minister
for Special Projects, in the Premier's Office, anticipating busy times ahead for Bill 75.
Joy MacPhail's examination of the bill in the Legislature is comprehensive and frightening. Paul Willcocks
calls it the "Making the Premier King Act".
Bill 75 - Significant Projects Streamlining Act ... Bill 75
Order-in-Council 1038 appointing Deputy Minister, Nov 3, 2003 ... OIC 1038
"Meat Axe" Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Nov 4, 2003 ... column
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, Nov 7, 2003 ... column
Paul Willcocks, News Leader Pictorial, Nov 9, 2003 ... column
West Coast Environmental Law, Nov 6, 2003 ... backgrounder
BC Building Trades Council comment, Nov 4, 2003 ... news release
Joy MacPhail in the Legislature, Nov 6, 2003 ... Hansard
David Hanley, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Nov 10, 2003 ... op-ed
"Vancouver Rejects Bill" Krangle & Boei, Sun, Nov 19, 2003 ... article
"Municipalities Howl" Paterson, Times Colonist, Nov 21, 2003 ... column
Sandra Carter, Bull Housser & Tupper ... legal comment
UBCM on Bill 75 ... webpage
Vancouver Island Call for Tenders
October 31, 2003
BC Hydro is inviting private sector developers to submit tenders for proposed
new generation projects to be located on Vancouver Island, or to tender bids to
acquire the assets associated with the
Vancouver Island Generation Project. Projects will need to meet a number of
criteria, which will be set out in the Vancouver Island Call for Tenders (VI CFT)
document.
14Nov03 - Registration deadline
18Feb04 - Pre-Qualification forms
09Jul04 - Tenders
30Sep04 - Final agreement
CFT Pre-Qualification Workshop Presentation ... pdf
BC Hydro announcement of participants in Call for Tenders ... news release
Vancouver Island Call for Tenders website, BC Hydro ... website
Call for Tenders document, BC Hydro ... pdf 1.1 mb
Schedule, BC Hydro ... pdf
Bidder Registration Form, BC Hydro ... Word doc
Confidentiality and Restricted Use Agreement, BC Hydro ... Word doc
Electricity Purchase Agreement, BC Hydro ... pdf 2.2 mb
Liberals give cabinet a meat axe for red tape
Nov 4, 2003
On November 3 the Campbell government introduced their most anti-democratic legislation yet.
The Significant Projects Streamlining Act is the latest output from the Liberal deregulatory
drive. Where previous efforts snipped through red tape one strand at a time, the Significant
Projects Streamlining Act takes more of a meat-axe approach. The act allows the cabinet to
designate a major project as "provincially significant" and then begin "expediting" its approval.
Bill 75 - Significant Projects Streamlining Act ... Bill 75
Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun, Nov 4, 2003 ... column
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, Nov 7, 2003 ... column
West Coast Environmental Law comment, Nov 6, 2003 ... backgrounder
BC Building Trades Council comment, Nov 4, 2003 ... news release
Joy MacPhail in the Legislature, Nov 6, 2003 ... Hansard
Exploring Vancouver Island's Energy Future
September 29, 2003
BC Hydro commissioned the Rocky Mountain Institute for a one day workshop
in July, with BC Hydro staff, academic and government participants and some industry stakeholders.
Rocky Mountain Institute ... pdf
B.C. Hydro's island projects not worth the risks
September 15, 2003
Simply put, Hydro's case is weak, both economically and environmentally. This
time sound electricity planning should go hand in hand with
sound environmentalism. We should not commit Vancouver Island to a
fossil fuel-based electricity future
Tom Hackney, Vancouver Sun ... op-ed
BCUC denies approval for VIGP
September 9, 2003
The BC Utilities Commission decision on VIGP, BC Hydro's proposed Vancouver Island
Generation Project (VIGP) at Duke Point, has two parts:
1. Based on the evidence and the Commission Panel
conclusions in this Decision, the Commission Panel finds that VIEC has not
established that VIGP is the most cost-effective means to reliably meet
Vancouver Island power needs. Therefore, the Commission Panel denies the Application for a CPCN.
2. The Commission Panel encourages BC Hydro to proceed with a CFT on the schedule
set forth in Schedule A in VIEC’s Reply Argument at pages 45 and 46. Based on
the results of the CFT, the Commission is prepared to consider any future
application for CPCN approval or Electricity Purchase Agreement approval on an
expedited basis.
BC Utilities Commission decision ... Word doc
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
Andrew Duffy, Victoria Times-Colonist ... article
Les Leyne, Victoria Times-Colonist ... column
Peter Kennedy, Globe and Mail ... article
The GSX Concerned Citizens Coalition is pleased with the Commission's
denial of a CPCN for VIGP. And we support the Call-For-Tenders (CFT)
for alternative power proposals. However, we are
concerned about the Commission's offer of an expedited review without hearing of a subsequent application for a
CPCN - the Commission is not clear that a revised application for VIGP is not included in that
offer, and the CFT process effectively shuts the public out of
further involvement in this energy discussion. Also, the
Commission gave no encouragement or direction to new cable capacity
from the mainland.
Fuel Safe Washington files to reopen FERC review of GSX
September 5, 2003
Fuel Safe Washington has filed two motions with the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:
1. to accept new evidence, specifically, the Terasen proposal to upgrade their existing pipeline to
Vancouver Island, which would obviate GSX
2. to prepare a supplementary Final Environmental Impact Statement
Fuel Safe Washington filing document ... Word doc
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Vancouver Island Generation Project review by BC Utilities Commission HEARING ENDED JULY 28, 2003 DECISION Sept 8, 2003 Project denied approval BC Hydro encouraged to issue Call-For-Tenders FINAL ARGUMENT Final oral session transcript 28 July ...PDF request VIEC/VIGP reply argument request VIEC/VIGP final argument
Schedule & Hearing Order | List of Issues | Hearing Procedures BC Hydro's VIGP site | BCUC application | BCUC website "Vancouver Island Energy Corporation application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Vancouver Island Generation Project, Hearing Order No. G-21-03" |
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Norske Canada tries to generate proposal support
August 6, 2003
NorskeCanada is worried about the hostile position BC Hydro has taken against
the paper giant's proposal to generate electricity at its three Island
mills."We were hoping they would be more open-minded about our proposal and
work with us but they're clearly totally committed to only their own project,"
said Stu Clugson, NorskeCanada's vice-president of corporate affairs.
Grant Warkentin, Campbell River Mirror ... article
What can you do now about GSX?
July 30, 2003
The Joint Review Panel have issued their report to Canada's
Minister of the Environment, David Anderson. This report is an
environmental assessment of GSX, and addresses only those issues that apply
under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. (CEA Act). Matters to do
with economics, need, gas supply are not dealt with in this report, and will be
discussed in any Reasons for Decision issued pursuant to the NEB Act.
The Panel is not authorized to make a decision under the NEB Act until after
the Joint Review Panel Report under the CEA Act has been received by the
Minister of the Environment and the government response to this Report has been
received by the NEB.
Write to Environment Minister Anderson, as soon as possible ...GSXaction
Joint Review Panel issues report under CEA Act:
Concludes GSX won't have significant environmental impacts
July 30, 2003
CALGARY - The Joint Review Panel for the GSX Canada Pipeline project
today released its report. The Panel concludes that the project is not likely
to result in significant adverse environmental effects provided
its recommendations are implemented and appropriate mitigation identified
during the course of the review is applied.
NEB News Release ... PDF
Full report ... PDF (11 MB)
Victoria-The recommendation of the Joint Review Panel to approve the
Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) natural gas pipeline ignores critical evidence
that proves the pipeline is not needed and is the wrong energy future
for Vancouver Island, according to the GSX Concerned Citizens Coalition.
GSXCCC Comment: News Release ... text
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, July 31, 2003 ... article
Andrew Duffy, Times Colonist, July 31, 2003 ... article
Canada.com, July 31, 2003 ... article
Final BCUC oral hearing transcript
July 28, 2003
The BCUC Panel on the VIGP review held one day of oral hearings in
Vancouver today, in order to hear submissions from the intervenors on
selected topics related to the VIGP review -- largely topics dealing with the
legalities and technicalities of having a CFT (Call for Tenders) process in
order to (essentially) double-check whether VIGP is, as Hydro says, the
most cost-effective option to meet VI's electricity needs in the near future...
VIEC Vol 14 transcript ... PDF
Tom Hackney report ... text
Norske Canada files blistering final argument
July 22, 2003
VIGP/GSX are an expensive and risky solution ...
BC Hydro proposed a call for tender ("CFT") process ... something that should have been done long
before this CPCN process began. BC Hydro's CFT process is badly flawed. It would have BC Hydro conducting and judging a
competition for future electricity supply, in which it is participating as a competitor ...
Clearly BC Hydro’s priority is building VIGP/GSX, not undertaking a fair CFT process ... NorskeCanada
will not participate in a CFT process unless someone other than BC Hydro gives the final approval
Norske Canada Final argument ... PDF
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
VIEC files final argument with BCUC
July 15, 2003
Vancouver Island Energy Corporation respectfully asks the Commission
to grant,
209. An unconditional certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction
and operation of the Vancouver Island Generation Project.
210. In the alternative, a certificate of public convenience and necessity subject to the
following conditions...
Final argument, paragraphs 200-210 ... text
Request full document ... email
Terasen cheaper than GSX: VIEC-Terasen joint submission
July 15, 2003
BC Hydro & Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc Joint Submission, emailed
to intervenors Tuesday 15 July, VIEC now appears to admit that the Terasen
system expansion proposal to serve ICP (without curtailment) and VIGP would
be cheaper than using GSX to do the same.
GSXCCC summary notes ... text
Looming Natural Gas Crunch Threatens Economy
July 14, 2003
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. will face a natural
gas supply shortage of major proportions this winter, with skyrocketing consumer
prices and other economic damage as an inevitable result
Power Marketing Association ... article
Utilities Burning off Power Glut
July 14, 2003
With an oversupply of generation on the market, projects are being delayed or
canceled. Just last week, Duke Energy and Fluor Corp. said that they will cease
building new plants together. The outcome is a byproduct of an earlier era. But the aggressive expansion
plans could not be indefinitely maintained.
Ken Silverstein, Power Marketing Association ... article
Running out of gas
July 8, 2003
There isn’t a silver bullet. The solution lies in a portfolio of options, the
most important of which is greatly reducing people’s expectations. One thing is
certain: “business as usual” is not sustainable.
David Hughes, Watershed Sentinel ... PDF
Joint Review Panel decides not to reopen GSX hearing
July 8, 2003
The CEAA-NEB Joint Review Panel considered an application from GSXCCC, to
reopen the GSX hearing to receive and consider Terasen evidence that Terasen can deliver enough gas to VIGP and ICP for about $180 million less than GSX. The Panel
denied the application.
NEB letter ... PDF
Hydro to call for tenders for GSX replacement proposals
July 4, 2003
BC Hydro will likely issue a tender call sometime in the Fall for projects
to replace its proposed Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) project and Duke Point
Energy Plant. It suggested Monday issuing a call for tenders for proposals that would
render the $710-million Duke Point-Georgia Strait gas pipeline crossing
projects unnecessary.
Andrew Costa, Citizen ... article
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NEB issues natural gas supply demand report |
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Hydro calls for private tenders
July 2, 2003
B.C. Hydro is dropping its hard line approach to the future of Vancouver
Island's electricity supply. Intervenors for NorskeCanada and the Joint Industry Electricity Steering
Committee questioned Hydro's commitment to the call for private-sector
submissions, given the short time frame it's requesting.
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
Proposed pipeline poses too much risk
June 14, 2003
Just because the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave approval for a
natural gas pipeline across Georgia Strait doesn't mean the project can, should or will become a
reality.
Editorial, Bellingham Herald ... article
Lots of ideas as power shortage looms
June 14, 2003
Anyone alarmed at the realization a member of the government doesn't
understand what B.C. Hydro is up to should just relax. That's the way it's always been.
Considering the size of the project and the length of time Hydro has been working on
upgrading the Island's power supply, the Vancouver Island Generation Project is still
open to a number of questions
Les Leyne, Times Colonist ... column
Hydro's cost estimate up after utilities commission probe
June 13, 2003
B.C. Hydro's proposal to build a $370-million gas-fired generator at Duke Point
called 'a financial mutt that needs to be put down'
Far from Hydro's current cost of about $30 per megawatt hour, the price to make
electricity at a gas-fired generating plant on the Island could start out at
$126 a megawatt hour in 2007 -- and go up from there.
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
Pipeline crossing will get another review
June 13, 2003
Back by popular demand, the National Energy Board's Joint Review Panel for
the Georgia Strait Crossing (GSX) natural gas pipeline is returning to Sidney.
The panel ... will hear oral arguments on a motion put forward by the GSX Concerned
Citizens Coalition, asking them to consider having Terasen Gas Vancouver Island
file evidence regarding its existing natural gas pipeline system from the
mainland to the Island.
Andrew Duffy, Times Colonist ... article
NEB Letter to Interveners (A0I5C6) ...PDF
Merrill sees U.S. power glut lasting several years
June 12, 2003
LOS ANGELES, June 12 (Reuters) - Far fewer new power plants are expected to come
on line in the U.S. next year but the industry is likely to continue to struggle
with a supply glut until late in the decade, Merrill Lynch said on Thursday
Reuters, from a Merrill Lynch report ... article
And into this continental glut rides BC Hydro and the BC
government, unbusinesslike but resolute, with VIGP and GSX.
Washington State Dept of Ecology launches GSX review
June 6, 2003
Washington State Department of Ecology will require a more extensive environmental review of the
Georgia Strait Crossing Project before granting the permits necessary to build a
natural-gas pipeline across Whatcom County and state waters. In its review, the state will consider two alternatives to the pipeline proposed
recently by Canadian companies, who say their plans are cheaper, safer and could
make the $340 million GSX project unnecessary
Erika Pizzillo, Bellingham Herald ... article
Washington State Department of Ecology ... website
BCUC posts new hearing information
May 28, 2003
List of Issues ... Word doc
Hearing Procedures ... Word doc
Interveners List ... PDF
| Rivals challenge Hydro's proposal | Double blow for Hydro | |
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May 28, 2003 B.C. Hydro's $710-million plan to keep the lights burning on Vancouver Island was dealt a major blow this week with credible private sector sources saying they can achieve the same goal in a faster, cheaper, and cleaner fashion |
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Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun & Times Colonist ... article Norske Canada Evidence filed May 26, 2003 ...too big, so I'll email it to you Terasen Evidence filed May 26, 2003 ...PDF |
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Norske's power plan may threaten pipeline
May 14, 2003
NorskeCanada, B.C. Hydro's largest industrial customer, wants to produce its own
power at three mills on Vancouver Island -- something which the company says
could eliminate the need for the controversial natural gas pipeline from the
Lower Mainland
Judith Lavoie, Times Colonist ... article
VIGP Revised Schedule & Hearing Order
May 1, 2003
"...attached is Order No. G-30-03 ...
for an oral public hearing ... commencing June 16, 2003 in
Nanaimo. The Commission will proceed with the hearing on that date in
recognition of B.C. Hydro's belief that there is a pressing need for
additional resources to supply Vancouver Island as identified in the
Application..."
BCUC Hearing Order ... PDF
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The NorskeCanada Alternative |
Hearing Transcripts at the NEB website
Link to the Hackney reports
Week 1:
Day 1 & 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
Day 5
Week 2:
Day 6 |
Day 7 |
Day 8 |
Day 9 & 10
Week 3 & 4:
Day 12 | Final
Application to BC Utilities Commission for VIGP
Mar 13, 2003
VIGP application ... PDF 3.5 MB
Islands in the Salish Sea Mapping Exhibit
Mar 11, 2003
An exhibition of 30 maps created by professional artists from 17 Gulf
Island communities will be displayed at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney beginning Tuesday, March 11
News release ... PDF
Hydro launches Island plant bid (VIGP)
Mar 13, 2003
Two months after a self-imposed deadline was missed, B.C. Hydro
filed its application to the B.C. Utilities Commission for a certificate
of public convenience and necessity to allow them to build a $380-million
electricity generation plant at Duke Point
Andrew Duffy, Times Colonist ... article
VIGP application ... PDF 3.5 MB
Natural gas at Sumas: US$9.38, NYMEX: $12.20
Feb 24, 2003
Natural gas prices hit new highs. For the second time in three years, natural
gas prices have hit new highs, and this time it is unrelated to market manipulations in
California.
Willis Energy Services ... chart
Island gas pipeline hearings begin today
Feb 24, 2003
B.C. Hydro's controversial proposal for a new Vancouver Island gas pipeline will
finally get a full public airing at hearings that begin today in Sidney
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
What can I expect at the hearing?
Feb 13, 2003
Useful explanation of how the hearing works.
A0H3H7 Procedural Update Letter #13 ... PDF
GSX-PL dismisses Norske proposal as an alternative to VIGP
Feb 10, 2003
The presence of all or part of the Proposal would not alter the need for 90 TJ of
firm gas via GSX for the ICP and the VIGP since BC Hydro will be depending on
the full output of those projects to meet the peak demand for electricity both
on Vancouver Island and for the system as a whole.
GSX-PL reply to Information Request 35 ... PDF
Hydro ratepayers need accountability
Feb 10, 2003
...the project's costs keep escalating and both industrial and environmental groups
have expressed concerns about how it's being handled. The U.S.-based Calpine has since left, leaving
Hydro to go-it-alone with no expertise in gas pipelines ... Hydro's announced a postponement of the
project while it looks at private-sector options. But it still wants to build the GSX pipeline and
has tried to prevent a NEB hearing from reviewing alternatives, such as extra undersea power cables
or coalbed methane. Why is gas the only solution?
Editorial, The Province ... click here
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Natural gas price shoots over US$6 Feb 07, 2003 $2.50 - BC Hydro's long term gas price projection in 2000 when GSX was introduced. $3 - the BC government's forecast in the energy policy. $4 - the price at which Hydro says other options become more economic than gas. Today the spot price shot over US$6. The energy policy said energy would be sourced on a lowest-cost basis, and BC Hydro wouldn't build this infrastructure. Mr. Neufeld and Mr. Bell, it's time to abandon this sinking ship. New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) ... www.nymex.com/ Willis Energy ... www.willisenergy.com/ |
Smaller is better for B.C.Hydro
Feb 07, 2003
Hydro's "lights will go out" gun is not loaded. There is no urgency.
Let's not waste the next three years on this debate. Instead, let's work
on evolving Vancouver Island into a global showcase of progressive
energy solutions. Communities all over Vancouver island would be
solidly supportive were you to put the gas-fired projects aside.
Arthur Caldicott, Times Colonist ... letter
Hydro mulls Norske power play
Feb 06, 2003
the projects planned for the pulp mills are small-scale, but
would collectively conserve or generate enough electricity to match the output
of a massive gas-fired power plant BC Hydro has in the works for Duke Point.
Two weeks ago, BC Hydro announced that its Duke Point project, a
265-megawatt plant, was being indefinitely delayed while it examined Norske’s
proposal.
Grant Warkentin, Campbell River Mirror ... article
Wierd winter boosts gas prices
Feb 05, 2003
Soaring natural gas prices and record stretches of dry weather could mean
higher home heating costs for British Columbians and lower revenues for the
provincial government.
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun ... article
GSX-PL list of witnesses for hearing
Feb 03, 2003
GSX-PL witnesses and panel groups for the Feb 24 oral hearing:
1. Project Overview, Corporate Structure, Risk & Financial Liabilities
2. Purpose & Justification, Gas Markets, Supply of Gas, Costs, Tolls
3. VIGP, Subsea Cables Replacement Alternative
4. Environmental Effects of Combustion of Gas at Duke Point
5. Engineering Matters, Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment
6. Geotechnical and Seismicity Matters
7. Operations and Safety
8. Public and Aboriginal Consultation, Land Acquisition
Excerpt from 03Feb03 letter from GSX-PL to Panel ... letter
Panel's Mr. Williams discloses contact with Hydro's Mr. Bell
Jan 27 & 30, 2003
Mr. Williams, a member of the Joint Review Panel, has informed the other members
of the Panel of a recent communication between himself and Mr. Bell, Chair and Chief Executive
Officer of BC Hydro. Each Panel member determined that there is not a reasonable apprehension of bias
in relation to her or his particular situation. Therefore, each Panel member determined that she or he
can continue to sit on the Panel and hear the application of GSX PL.
Letter to all Parties (A0G9T7, 27Jan03) ... PDF
Letter to SPEC & DSF (A0H0G8, 30Jan03) ... PDF
GSX Panel posts hearing schedule
Jan 25, 2003
The hearing is scheduled at the Mary Winspear Centre, 2243 Beacon Avenue, Sidney, BC
commencing at 10:00 am on 24 February 2003.
For those who wish information on the hearing process, National Energy Board staff will be
available at the SAANICH FAIR, 1528 Stellys X Road, Saanichton, BC on Sunday, 23 February 2003, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.
The Panel anticipates sitting for two sessions daily, morning and afternoon, with an occasional evening session.
All Parties should plan on attending the first day of the hearing, or must advise the Panel before 24 February 2003
of an intent to participate.
NOTE: You must have already registered as an intervener to participate in the hearing, otherwise all you can
do is send a letter of comment.
Panel hearing schedule and information ... PDF
GSX Panel asks GSX-PL: is the GSX hearing still on?
Jan 17, 2003
The Panel, having read about the VIGP deferral in newspapers
asks GSX-PL if the hearing is still on, and points to the evidence that GSX-PL have filed
that VIGP is the purpose and justification for GSX
Panel letter to GSX-PL...PDF
GSX-PL replies: we're ready for hearing
Jan 21, 2003
BC Hydro remains committed to serving the load requirements of
Vancouver Island with natural gas from the proposed GSX pipeline and with
electricity from the proposed VIGP.
The change in the January 15 date for completion of our
application [to the BCUC] ... was considered necessary to evaluate a
proposal by Norske Canada to provide electricity directly and through
conservation. While this evaluation is continuing, BC Hydro nevertheless
will file the CPCN application for VIGP ... in a matter of weeks to ensure
the reliable supply to Vancouver Island in a timely fashion. VIGP is not
being put on hold.
GSX-PL letter to Panel ... PDF
BC Hydro defers BC Utilities Commission application
for Vancouver Island Generation Project
Jan 16, 2003
VANCOUVER ISLAND - BC Hydro has decided to defer application
to the BC Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and
Necessity (CPCN) for the proposed Vancouver Island Generation Project (VIGP).
"This delay is required to allow assessment of some
opportunities involving customer generation that have recently been brought to
BC Hydro's attention" When BC Hydro moves forward with VIGP,
it will submit an application to the BCUC for a CPCN.
BC Hydro ...news release
Scott Simpson, Vancouver Sun, Jan 16, 2003 ...article
Andrew Duffy, Times Colonist, Jan 17, 2003 ...article
Is there a deal with Norske-Skog in the works? A sweetheart deal with
an IPP for VIGP? Or is BC Hydro unwilling to subject their VIGP-in-a-poke to scrutiny?
GSXCCC, Jan 16, 2003 ...comment
GSX Hearing scheduled for February 24, 2003
Jan 14, 2003
CALGARY – The Joint Review Panel for the Georgia Strait Crossing Canada Pipeline Project
has scheduled a public hearing on the project application.
The public hearing will commence at 10:00 a.m. local time on Monday, 24 February 2003 at a
location to be announced at a later date. The hearing is expected to continue for approximately
four weeks.
The Joint Review Panel was established to hear an application from Georgia Strait Crossing
Pipeline Limited (GSX PL) to construct and operate the GSX Canada Pipeline project. The
proposed project is a joint undertaking by BC Hydro and Williams Gas Pipeline Company. It is
the Canadian portion of the Georgia Strait Crossing Project that would transport natural gas from
Sumas, Washington to Vancouver Island.
EAO ...news release
EAO ...letter to parties
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
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