Uphill battle – Two energy projects focus discussion about BC Energy Plan

Powell River Peak News

Peak Editorial

September 13, 2007 - In a blink of the eye, Powell River has become a focal point in a battle raging in the province over the Liberal government's energy strategy.

Two companies, WestPac LNG and Plutonic Power Corporation, have chosen the Powell River area for new projects that will help BC to become energy self-sufficient.

WestPac is proposing a combined liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and natural gas-fired power generation facility on the northern tip of Texada Island. The LNG would be imported from overseas and shipped to the terminal in tankers. The generating plant would produce 600 megawatts with possible future expansion up to 1,200 megawatts.

Plutonic Power has plans for a 31-stage hydroelectric project, generating electricity through run-of-river facilities. Work has begun on the 196-megawatt East Toba River and Montrose Creek project, a $112-million development that includes a 145-kilometre transmission line.

While different--the WestPac proposal would emit greenhouse gases, which cause global warming, while Plutonic's projects are considered green because they return the water used to generate power back to the river--both have their origins in the province's energy plan.

Introduced in 2002 and updated earlier this year, the policy calls for the province to be energy self-sufficient by 2016. It has triggered rapid development of the independent power sector to meet future electricity demand growth and eliminate importing power.

Opponents of the plan say BC Hydro customers are being forced to buy expensive domestic electricity when inexpensive import power is available. There is also an ideological argument, as some critics of the plan believe electricity resources should be developed by public entities, not private companies.

In its first public meeting on Texada, WestPac showed a willingness to listen to concerns residents raised. Many issues came to the surface, some long-standing. Speakers pointed to unfilled promises made by other companies, which used Texada for projects but failed to live up to commitments.

WestPac has a long road in front of it before its proposal becomes a reality. Based on the intensity of the opposition, it has an uphill battle convincing residents that the project will create more benefits than detriments.

©The Powell River Peak 2007