Whereas local governments are required to set greenhouse gas reduction targets and transition towards becoming more compact, complete and energy-efficient communities; And whereas communities may have opportunities to create clean and renewable energy projects, such as micro-hydro, geothermal, tidal and solar power; Therefore be it resolved that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia explore changes to the regulatory framework to support communities in partnering with BC Hydro to provide safe reliable clean energy and to generate revenue sources to support local economies.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation On December 21, 2021 BC Hydro submitted its Integrated Resource Plan IRP to the British Columbia Utilities Commission BCUC. The IRP, which was developed with extensive engagement with a technical advisory committee, Indigenous people, and the public, examines British Columbias electricity demand forecast over the next 20 years 2020 2040 and lays out the electricity resource options available to BC Hydro to meet that demand. The BCUC will determine whether or not to accept BC Hydros IRP through its public hearing process, currently in progress. The IRP suggests that BC Hydro will have energy surplus for at least the first half of the IRP planning period and includes regional forecasts showing how BC Hydro plans to meet its customers needs in all regions of its service area. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation encourages local governments interested in generating electricity to participate in the BCUCs IRP review process. The deadline for registering as an Intervener is March 22, 2022. Currently, approximately 98 per cent of British Columbias electricity generation comes from large hydro-electric facilities and other clean, renewable resources, such as wind, solar, run-of-river, and storage hydro-electricity, biomass, and other alternative resources. Communities can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by investing in energy efficiency and switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity. Integrated Resource Plan to the British Columbia Utilities Commission link: https:www.bchydro.comcontentdamBCHydrocustomer-portaldocumentscorporate…