Brief report from the VIGP review by Tom Hackney

At the end of Day 4, Thursday 19 June 2003.

When we came to the hearing we (GSXCCC) were somewhat surprised to find that
the ground of the hearing had shifted significantly away from a simple CPCN
yes/no premise to a question of BC Hydro negotiating with Norkse and BCUC and
others over the issuance of a request for tenders to build generation that
might replace VIGP, should it not be approved.

This theme has developed over the past four days. It looks as if there could
well be a delay in the granting of the CPCN or conditions set on it, so as to
allow for other parties (Norske, but others too, and the Terasen proposal for
alternate gas service is also relevant) to put forward their altenatives in
credible ways (i.e. with hope of success).

I think this may be the liksely outcome. This could lead to
Quinsam/Hillsborough, and other such proposals becoming credible proposals to
replace VIGP, as well as the green alternatives and conservation that GSXCCC
would like to promote.

This is a big topic, meriting further discussion. Just a warning: we should
start to think of this campaign in a radically different way.

Tom Hackney,
Nanaimo