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Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Executive May 25, 2006

Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Executive May 25, 2006. Meeting Objectives. The electricity requirements of BC Government efforts to meet provincial electricity needs Balancing the independence of local governments while considering the broad interest of British Columbians

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Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Executive May 25, 2006

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  1. Union of British Columbia Municipalities - Executive May 25, 2006

  2. Meeting Objectives • The electricity requirements of BC • Government efforts to meet provincial electricity needs • Balancing the independence of local governments while considering the broad interest of British Columbians • Suggestions for a path forward with local governments

  3. BC Electricity Requirements • Electricity needs are increasing • Minimum of 12,500 GW.h over next 10 years • BC is now a net importer – there is a supply gap that must be filled to ensure self-sufficiency • IPPs will help fill the gap

  4. Government Efforts • 2002 Energy Plan • Secure, reliable supply commitment • Greater reliance on IPPs • IPPs require: • Regulatory certainty • Investor confidence

  5. Government Efforts –cont’d • September 2004 MOU • Contributions by the working group to clarify issues related to IPPs • Still important work to be done to develop a collaborative policy framework between local governments and IPPs

  6. Balancing Needs • Support for local governments and the Community Charter is a provincial priority – but difficult choices must be made • All power producers deserve a level playing field on Crown land • Section 121 a known point for potential litigation • Potential long-term negative impacts to electricity sector cannot be ignored • In most Provinces, local governments either cannot deny construction of power projects on Crown land, or most of the Crown land is outside of local government boundaries • Patchwork quilt in BC on whether a zoning bylaw applies and, if so, whether power production is a permitted use

  7. Balancing Needs – cont’d • The legislative amendment to Section 121: • Clarifies government policy intent • Gives certainty to local governments regarding their jurisdiction over IPPs on private lands • Gives IPPs a one decision-maker process similar to other resource developments • Stimulates investor confidence to support BC’s energy policy objectives, thus benefiting communities and all British Columbians

  8. A Path Forward • Formalize involvement of local governments in IPP development • amend the existing MOU with UBCM • A new MOU with UBCM or individual Regional Districts • Consider local government requests to designate less than 50 MW proposals as reviewable under Environmental Assessment Act • Public meetings, open houses under provincial processes (eg Water Licensing and Land Act applications) • SLRD: Water Act Reserves, possible regional IPP strategy

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