Development And Export Of Green Energy In B.C.: Growing Interest And Regulatory Challenges

Article by Paul Cassidy & Gloria Chao, © 2008, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Environmental Law, February 2008

As we look back on 2007 and forward into 2008, it is clear that the Government of British Columbia has prioritized its goals to reduce its greenhouse gases (GHG) and become a net exporter of green energy in the upcoming years. Under the British Columbia Energy Plan released on February 27, 2007, the province is to achieve electricity self-sufficiency and become a net exporter of electricity by 2016.

The Energy Plan further states that B.C. Hydro, the largest public utility in the province, is to ensure that clean or renewable electricity generation continues to account for at least 90 per cent of total generation, thus eventually becoming a net exporter of green energy.