Whereas the Province of BC made the decision to discontinue the BC Hydro Remote Community Extension Program; And whereas numerous remote and rural communities in British Columbia continue to remain off-grid without electrical power; And whereas the lack of electrification: - prevents investment in projects that would foster sustainable economic development creating employment opportunities that would assist families resulting in a stronger community; and - precludes these remote and rural communities, represented by local governments, to add to, enhance, or adequately improve safe drinking water and sewage disposal systems in accordance with the Provinces legislation: Therefore be it resolved that the minister responsible for BC Hydro take immediate steps to reinstate and adequately fund the BC Hydro Remote Community Electrification program to sustain the economic and social well-being of remote and rural communities throughout BC.
Ministry of Energy and Mines Since 2006, the Province has provided approximately 11 million in funding towards remote community energy efficiency and clean energy projects through the Remote Community Implementation Program administered by Fraser Basin Council. In 2013, the Remote Community Electrification RCE Program was discontinued as a result of BC Hydros budget review and the lack of federal funding available to support RCE projects. British Columbia is a member of the Pan-Canadian Task Force on Reducing Diesel in Remote Communities as part of the Council of the Federations Canadian Energy Strategy. Currently, the Task Force is preparing a Joint Report to identify opportunities and recommend solutions to reduce or eliminate diesel reliance in remote communities. In addition, the Ministry of Energy and Mines Community Energy Leadership Program also provides funding to energy efficiency and clean energy projects in communities across B.C., including remote communities.