A new study by Clean Energy Association of British Columbia was commissioned. It found that smaller clean-energy plants are more economically viable than Site C. The study by London Economics International (LEI) found that small-scale clean-energy plants could save British Columbians significant amounts of money compared with the Site C proposal. LEI is an international company that provides financial and economic services to businesses. It specializes in energy, infrastructure and water. Study authors spread the cheaper and cleaner alternatives costs over a period 70, which corresponds to the expected life span of Site C’s dam and generating stations on the Peace River in northeast British Columbia. Source: “Cost effectiveness evaluation of clean-energy projects within the context of Site C.” Clean energy is an attractive alternative. While Site C has many strengths, independent LEI researchers showed how affordable clean energy can be. It is a viable option, according to the authors. It offers cost-savings and a wider geographic distribution, which makes it easier for procurement and logistic activities to be completed. First Nations will also have more meaningful participation and the opportunity to benefit from falling prices of many renewable energy technologies. It would lower prices and transfer construction risk to private companies by having more suppliers competing for BC’s power needs. Source: London Economics International LLC Are Site C’s costs underestimated? The LEI study suggests that Site C costs could be much more expensive than currently estimated. Paul Kariya is the Executive Director of Clean Energy BC. He stated that “the study proves that clean energy in BC can be counted on and appreciated.” Clean Energy BC will continue to work with BC Hydro, and with the BC government. Mr. Kariya said: “We want to ensure that BC ratepayers fully understand the cost-effective alternatives and benefits to jobs and investment–especially to regional development–and that ratepayers receive value for money for any new power infrastructure.” “British Columbia is at a pivotal time in the procurement of its energy needs and we need to ensure that the decisions we make are in the best interest of ratepayers, as well as, protecting the long-term financial viability of BC Hydro.” The 86 current clean-energy projects in operation in BC directly employ 1,300 workers in the region. Additional 21 projects in clean energy are currently being built, with a capital investment of $4.5 million.
