The BC government introduced Bill 17, the Clean Energy Act, into the legislature on April 28, 2010. Bill 17 provides a basis for the province to meet its goals of electricity self-sufficiency by 2016, job creation and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Bill 17 builds on the work of the Green Energy Advisory Task Force, which was appointed in November 2009 to provide recommendations for a clean energy strategy in BC (the complete recommendations from the task force group have been compiled into a final report, which is available online at:
Bill 17 is aimed at addressing three priority areas:
- ensuring electricity self-sufficiency at low rates;
- harnessing B.C.’s clean power potential to create jobs in all regions of the province; and
- strengthening environmental stewardship and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Bill 17 provides a new regulatory framework for long-term electricity planning, commitments to renewable electricity generation, streamlined approval processes, and measures to promote electricity efficiency and conservation. By streamlining regulations around renewable power projects, the provincial government has signaled its intent to attract renewable energy projects to the province. With this proposed legislation, the government appears to be enabling a greater role for independent power producers in BC’s clean energy future.
Among the key provisions of Bill 17:
- Energy Objectives. Bill 17 sets out 16 specific energy objectives including expediting clean energy investments, protecting BC ratepayers, ensuring competitive rates, encouraging conservation, strengthening environmental protection and aggressively promoting regional job creation and First Nations’ involvement in clean electricity development opportunities.
- Export of Electricity. The export of electricity is included as an objective, thus enabling independent power producers to work with BC Hydro to seek opportunities to sell clean electricity to other provinces and U.S. states. New calls for clean power will be issued when export opportunities are secured.
- Exemption from BCUC Approval. Certain energy projects will be exempted from BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) approval requirements under the Utilities Commission Act. In particular, Bill 17 exempts the following projects and programs from having to obtain separate approval from the BCUC: (i) Northwest Transmission Line; (ii) Mica units 5 and 6; (iii) Revelstoke unit 6; (iv) Site C; (v) Bioenergy Phase 2 Call for Power; (vi) BC Hydro’s Integrated Power Offer; (vii) Clean Power Call (issued on June 11, 2008); (viii) Standing Offer Program; (ix) Feed-in Tariff; and (x) BC Hydro’s Smart Metering and Smart Grid program. Future projects designed for the purposes of supplying export markets will also be exempt from BCUC review. BCUC will continue to regulate BC Hydro’s domestic supply and rates.
- Integration of BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC). Bill 17 provides for the consolidation of BC Hydro and BCTC into a single entity with one board of directors and executive. Furthermore, Bill 17 provides for the transfer all BCTC assets, liabilities and employees to BC Hydro. The consolidation of BC Hydro and BCTC is meant to increase alignment of policy objectives and to save costs.
- Standing Offer Program and Feed-in Tariff. Bill 17 contains provisions to create greater flexibility around the Standing Offer Program, which is currently in place for projects up to 10MW in capacity. In particular, Bill 17 enables re-pricing to reflect the results of recent clean power calls, includes an option to increase the maximum project size above 10 MW, and allows for technologies to be specified. In addition, Bill 17 enables the implementation of a feed-in tariff program to support the development of renewable energy technologies. The specifics of the program will be established through regulation.
- Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reductions. To promote electricity efficiency and conservation, Bill 17 provides for the installation of smart meters by 2012 and enables initiatives and programs by public utilities to encourage the reduction of GHGs.
- First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund. Bill 17 establishes the First Nations Clean Energy Business Fund, which aims to facilitate further First Nations participation in renewable energy projects and provides a basis for revenue sharing.
For further information, please refer to the BC government’s Clean Energy Act web site at:
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