BC Hydro Annual Report 2001

P O W E R I N G
O U R F U T U R E
To take care of tomorrow’s energy needs in a way that is sustainable, we are investing in “green” electricity sources today. We are
committed to meeting 10 per cent of future growth with power that is renewable, environmentally friendly and socially responsible.
At the same time, we continue to enjoy financial success. Innovest, a New York-based investment advisory firm, ranked BC Hydro
fourth when compared to 30 American electric utilities. Ranking is based on a company’s ability to minimize environmental damage
while generating profit from sound environmental management. In other words, a company’s efforts to be successful and sustainable.
As part of our sustainability efforts, we are taking a fresh look at how best to meet B.C.’s long-term electricity requirements. Over the
next year we will be re-evaluating BC Hydro’s “big picture” and investigating new resources, energy efficiency programs and distributed
generation. Given these options, we will consult with interested parties to ensure the environmental, social and financial costs and
benefits are properly reflected in our resource mix.
In 2000 we asked B.C.’s independent power producers (IPPs) to submit green energy project proposals. To date we have heard from
approximately 50 producers, with most proposals involving commercial technologies such as small hydro and biomass. We are currently
reviewing them to see if they meet our criteria for new green energy: to be renewable and socially responsible; to have the ability to
be licensed; and to have low environmental impact.
S M A L L A N D M I C R O H Y D R O P R O J E C T S
The abundance of rivers, streams and creeks in our province
makes it ideal to develop small and micro hydro facilities.
Most small hydro projects rely on small dams or diversion
structures, and do not flood land. Micro hydro facilities do not
involve dams and have minimal environmental impact, as they use
small, steep water sources that are virtually impassable by fish.
To encourage new micro hydro developers, we have put together
a list of more than 600 potential sites province-wide. We are
also working on a handbook that outlines standards and
procedures for developing and installing micro hydro projects.
In October 2000 we announced our first agreement with an IPP
for a small hydro project that meets our green energy criteria.
A 25-megawatt “run-of-river” facility near Pemberton is planned,
and will provide us with enough electricity to meet the needs of
10 000 residential customers.