British Columbia has been reliant on hydroelectricity for generations. However, climate change is threatening that supply. Persistent dry conditions have become a reality.

BC Hydro has spent tens of millions of dollars to add capacity and upgrade generating equipment at its hydroelectric dams. But this 28 year record reveals a problem. The output per MW of capacity was 54% higher in fiscal year 1997 than in FY 2024.

Production of electricity at BC’s hydro dams during the fiscal year ended March 2024 was the lowest in recent times. While the recent year may be anomalous, a trend line is established. That is a concern.

Climate change denying John Rustad, the Conservative who wants to be Premier, worries about meeting demand caused by electrification. Like other far-right activists, Rustad is committed to “Owning the libs.” That means there can be no consideration of the clean renewable energy sources favoured by progressive citizens.

Rustad talks about nuclear energy for British Columbia, but that is no solution. Nuclear energy is both expensive and dangerous.

Capitalist nations that prioritize economic growth above all else, such as the United States and Canada, have normalized the exploitation of nature. This has happened with the extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, and it will happen again with the radioactive waste produced by new nuclear reactors if humans do not learn from past mistakes. It is hard enough to deal with the large stockpile of radioactive waste produced by conventional nuclear reactors that were built during the late 20th century, when the public and even experts knew less about how difficult this material is to deal with.

Say no to small modular reactors: Stop normalizing the exploitation of nature

Rapid electrification requires that we use existing technologies and solutions. Clean, safe, risk-free renewables — primarily solar and wind, but also geothermal — are available now and can be installed in a fraction of the time required for hydro or nuclear power.