WHEREAS vast areas in northwestern British Columbia north of Highway 16 are not serviced by the provincial electrical grid, and the regions immense natural resource development potential is consequently not realized; AND WHEREAS there is no government plan or policy to extend the electrical grid to this region, and current policies such as independent power production and reorganization of BC Hydro may undermine development of an integrated transmission system for the northwest: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities request that the Minister of Energy commit to writing a comprehensive plan for extension of the electrical grid into the northwest region that considers long-term community and resource development needs.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY MINES Under the Energy Plan the BC Transmission Corporation BCTC has the responsibility for planning the transmission system. In developing its transmission plans, the BCTC has committed to a process that will involve stakeholder consultation. Local governments should ensure the BCTC is aware of their interests in the development of a comprehensive transmission plan for the northwest. BC Hydro and BCTC are regulated by the BC Utilities Corporation BCUC. Interconnection requirements and grid extension policies are governed by tariffs and policies approved by the BCUC. The province recognizes the potential for development in the area, and is working with BCTC and BC Hydro to identify issues and determine whether options are available that would facilitate the interconnection of the mines.