Province launches review into BC Hydro operations

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Province launches review into BC Hydro operations
Will examine operating costs and expenses, plus how rates are structured
Dave White Apr 07, 2011 11:43:52 AM
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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - The Province wants to lower your hydro bill, while BC Hydro is trying to increase rates.

A review has been launched by Energy and Mines Minister Rich Coleman to look at how the Crown Corporation is working. It will look at everything from operating costs and expenses to how the company is governed. It will also examine how rates are structured and whether efficiencies can be found.

Coleman says it's prudent with a new government and a new minister to take a hard look. "There's one thing we all pay. We all pay power bills."

"Certainly it's important for our families to keep that value there so they can keep more money in their pockets so they can do other things for their families or for themselves," he argues. "I think it's prudent on us to make sure that we go in and have a hard look at this thing so we can find every saving we can possibly find to keep rates as affordable as possible for the familes of British Columbia, and that's basically all British Columbians."

The findings are expected in June. Coleman says it's not a review of how Hydro was run under Gordon Campbell, and isn't geared to interfere with a BC Utilities Commission review looking at a major rate increase proposed by the crown corporation.  The provincial review aims to look at alternatives to rate increases.  However, the results can be handed over to the commission and could have bearing on its decision.  

BC Hydro wants to hike rates by as much as 50 per cent over the next five years to cover new and upgraded infrastructure.

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