Panel delays recommendation on dam
Utilities commission says it needs more information before deciding whether Site C should continue
A preliminary report raises more questions than answers about the future of the controversial $8.8-billion Site C dam, with the British Columbia Utilities Commission saying it needs more information before it can make a recommendation.
The new provincial government asked the commission to examine the economic viability of the project.
On Monday, Kelowna residents will have the chance to voice their own opinions about the project during a community input session at the Coast Capri Hotel.
In its preliminary report released Wednesday, the BCUC panel reported finding numerous information gaps requiring supplemental evidence and analysis from BC Hydro and the public to make definitive and conclusive findings.
The panel concluded that as of June 30, when BC Hydro submitted its most recent quarterly report, the project was on track for completion in 2024.
However, it said it does not have enough data to determine whether the project is on budget.
It said the $1.8 billion spent as of June 30 might not match the amount that should have been spent based on activities to date.
The panel also said it is concerned that BC Hydro has already spent 45 per cent of its $794-million contingency budget.
The cost of terminating the project and remediating the site would be $1.1 billion, the panel said.
The dam is two years into construction in northeastern B.C., and work continues while the review is underway.
The input session in Kelowna, one of many being held across the province, will take place 6-10 p.m. Monday at the Coast Capri Hotel.
Community members can register and request to speak at the session by going online to sitecinquiry.com or phoning 1-844-815-6190.
Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting.
Speaker guidelines are available online at sitecinquiry.com.
Members of the public who wish to make written submissions on the preliminary report may do so by Oct. 11 by email to sitecsubmission@bcuc.com or by mail to 410-900 Howe St., Vancouver, B.C., V6Z 2N3.
Dozens of written submissions to the BCUC have already been posted online, including one from Sierra Club BC, which has a chapter in the Okanagan.
“Continuing with the Site C project is inconsistent with the provincial energy objectives set out in the (Clean Energy Act),” wrote the club.
The Sierra Club submitted it is in the best interests of British Columbians for the Site C project to be terminated.
In its 866-page submission, BC Hydro outlined its reasons for concluding that completing Site C is the best option.
“BC Hydro continues to believe that Site C is a beneficial investment and should be completed on its current schedule,” the company wrote. “It provides a long-term, cost-effective supply of clean energy and capacity, provides a number of reliability benefits, and facilitates the integration of future intermittent renewable like wind and solar.”