Regular readers know that BC has a surplus of electricity, created mainly by BC Hydro’s steadily increasing purchases of private power, even though domestic consumption has been flat since 2005.

Export markets are unprofitable and that situation has continued for years. Proof is offered by BC selling Columbia River electricity outside the province for about one-quarter of BC Hydro’s marginal cost of power.

It is unfair for Government to guarantee profitability for a favoured few by extracting the cost from residents and countless small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) that face punishing increases in power rates.

Since there are no good business reasons for the government’s private power policies, clearly there must be some other, less obvious explanation. RCMP financial crimes section should add this subject to the current investigations of Liberal Party finances.

If BC Hydro doesn’t need costly Narrows Inlet power, why are 5 projects on 4 creeks proceeding? #scams #bcpoli https://t.co/yGI0n2waLS

— Norm Farrell (@Norm_Farrell) June 25, 2017

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In-Sights has previously covered Narrows Inlet IPPs and these facilities are only a few of a number planned to come on stream in the near future. Provincial authorities have had opportunities to withdraw from these Sunshine Coast projects for a variety of reasons, including damage to the environment during construction. No reason, though, is more obvious than the fact BC Hydro has no need for additional high-cost power.