Have confidence in B.C.’s expanding economy

Re: “B.C. should run, not walk, away from Site C project,” letter, Nov. 26

The letter from Elizabeth May on the Site C project was very disturbing. Her comments only display how little confidence she has in B.C.’s future expanding economy and future power needs.

B.C. Hydro provides the most versatile and dependable form of clean energy. Wind power and solar are less dependable, as you can’t rely on them when you need them. B.C. Hydro states that its demand for power peaks at night during the winter months and during this time the contribution from solar is zero.

Furthermore, hydroelectric dams have an extra long life. Because the money is spent up front, they become cheaper over time to operate as the costs are amortized while the project produces a constant amount of power. Also, the location of Site C downstream of the Bennett Dam and Peace Canyon Dam provides many unique advantages.

The B.C. Utilities Commission report made a big issue of the cost overrun, and the politicians are using this as a good reason for cancelling the Site C project. However, considering that the cost will be amortized over a period of 70 years, the effect of any cost overrun on ratepayers’ billing would be minimal.

Currently, B.C. has among the lowest power rates in North America and among the most reliable systems in Canada. Let’s not go the way of Ontario. It would be a massive political blunder for our premier to pull the plug on the Site C. Joe Giegerich Nanoose Bay