Thermal plant won’t close until alternatives in place
The controversial Burrard Thermal Plant.
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Updated: September 11, 2009 4:36 PM
The provincial government plans to phase out the Burrard Thermal power plant but won’t do it until replacement resources are in place to provide electricity required to meet B.C.’s needs.
That’s the word from Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom, who told Black Press that BC Hydro’s proposal to phase out the natural gas-fired plant by 2014, as supported by the government’s Green Energy Plan, is likely too soon.
The plant, on Port Moody’s north shore, is still used for emergency back-up and during winter, when electricity demands are high.
It has been the target of environmental critics, who cite its negative impact on air quality in the Fraser Valley, and creation of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Phase it out by 2014 – I don’t think it’s realistic,” Lekstrom said. “You have to have new firm power coming in.”
The recent throne speech reversed a recommendation by the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC), which suggested keeping open, and even retrofitting, the 60-year-old plant. A task force will also be set up to complement the work the utility commission has done on BC Hydro’s long-term transmission plan.
Lekstrom said the government is only clarifying its position on Burrard Thermal, not trying to interfere, and he said the directive wasn’t an unprecedented step.
But a local environmentalist takes issue with the government’s move.
“They have basically pulled the carpet out of BCUC, which was an independent review body, and an important body to have,” said Elaine Golds, adding she’s concerned the directive will give strength to the renewable energy industry, including run-of-river power producers, at the expense of rivers and salmon.
Lekstrom played down the role independent power producers will play in filling the gap left by Burrard Thermal, which he said would have to be replaced by firm power – utilities that produce power 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. Assets such as hydro-electric dams meet that criteria, Lekstrom said.
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