Worried about power future

For the past three months, the government of Ecuador has rationed electricity to its citizens, sometimes up to 14 hours per day.

The president claims it has been necessary because of drought conditions hampering power generation from local dams and because its neighbour, Colombia, decided to stop selling it power.

The government recently announced it will discontinue the rationing over Christmas.

Business groups claim $7.5 billion in losses during those three months because of the power rationing.

Because B.C. Hydro purchased 20% to 25% of its power from neighbours (Alberta and the U.S.) the past couple of years and with no end in sight, that could easily be our future here in B.C.

What happens if, or when, drought in B.C. restricts the output of our dams or if or when the federal government restricts the natural gas industry so much that Alberta doesn't have any excess power to sell? Also, what happens if or when (U.S. President-elect) Donald Trump uses the sale of electricity as a weapon in his trade wars and what will B.C. businesses do then? What will people with brand new heat pumps and EVs do then?

Do you think it can't happen here? Do you think our dams are going to save us in the face of growing demand or we're immune to the laws of thermodynamics, as well as supply and demand?

Do you think the B.C.’s NDP government has a viable plan that will be timely, effective, and won't be financially crippling to the people of BC? Think again.

Lloyd Vinish, Kelowna