British Columbia unveiled a new Clean Energy Act last week that the provincial government hopes will lay the foundation for electricity self-sufficiency, clean energy jobs creation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Bill 17 sets out 16 specific energy objectives including clean energy investments, protecting B.C. ratepayers, ensuring competitive rates, encouraging conservation, strengthening environmental protection and aggressively promoting regional job creation and First Nations’ involvement in clean electricity development opportunities.
B.C. currently derives 90% of its electricity from renewable resources–primarily hydroelectric. The new bill sets a goal of reaching 93%.
"Our goal is to build on our unique competitive advantages with record investments in our historic ‘two rivers’ public power system and with new clean and renewable electricity investments and partnerships," said Premier Gordon Campbell. "We want British Columbia to become a leading North American supplier of clean, reliable, low-carbon electricity and technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while strengthening our economy in every region."
The Clean Energy Act builds on the work of the Green Energy Advisory
Task Force, appointed in November 2009 to provide insights and
recommendations for B.C.
Measures in the Act could lead to the creation of a Feed-in Tariff, similar to Ontario’s, which is causing a cleantech boom in that provice.
However, a story in the B.C. paper The Tyee, questions whether or not its a good fit for the province. Read the full article at the link below.
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