Disappointing Phase 2 Interim Report of Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro
Last year, BCSEA wrote about the Phase 2 Comprehensive Review of BC Hydro.[1] The important and ambitious purpose of the review included giving BC Hydro guidance on the critical issue of how it should implement the electrification called for in the 2018 CleanBC climate action plan.
BCSEA’s Board of Directors is currently recruiting for the position of Treasurer. We are looking for someone with both the passion for sustainable energy, and the training in accounting and financial planning, with experience in charitable organizations to serve a vital function within our organization. If this sounds like you, please read on for more information and how to apply.
British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association and COVID-19
The BC Sustainable Energy Association (BCSEA) has been following recent developments regarding the novel coronavirus (Covid-19). As an organization that hosts events or participates in public meetings and other gatherings, involving employees, contractors, members, and volunteers, the BCSEA is mindful of our responsibilities to not contribute to the potential spread of Covid-19.
BCSEA filed its final argument today opposing BC Hydro’s application to the BC Utilities Commission to ban customers who propose “oversized generation” from joining the Net Metering program. For background, see:
Our first Okanagan Sustainable Energy Task Force Meeting is coming up and we are hoping to connect with our community in the central Okanagan region to discuss solutions from our fall forum, Powering Sustainable Energy. The task force will be strategizing how we can positively impact the transition to 100% renewables in the Okanagan by 2030. There are so many ways. We need numbers of people from all walks of life to take on this challenge. Offer some time to the change, educate ourselves and others by talking with the city councils and helping one another live the necessary change.
The Kootenay region of British Columbia, renowned for the many beautiful mountains and lakes, has long been environmentally conscious. This came to the forefront in 2016 when SunMine – Canada’s largest solar project and largest solar tracking system – opened on an old mining site near Kimberley earning nationwide attention.
BCSEA’s most recent legal argument at the BC Utilities Commission supports conversion of fleets of vehicles and vessels from fossil fuels to clean electricity.
Individual electric vehicles are already on the road in BC, and more are on the way. Next to come are whole fleets of electric vehicles such as transit buses and delivery trucks, and electric vessels such as ferries. But there’s a glitch.
REnA is an ongoing project being led by the Vancouver Chapter. It all started in early 2019 when a long time BCSEA member, Dr. Henry Mwandemere, approached the Chapter with the idea to bring renewable energy to Karonga, Malawi. Henry is a retired UN scientist residing in Vancouver and his mission is to combat energy poverty in Africa by addressing two key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
#5 - Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
#7 - Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable modern energy for all