British Columbia’s rapid population growth has raised questions about the ability of BC Hydro, the province’s government-run electricity supplier, to supply adequate power in the future. This situation has inspired initiatives like the Clean Power Call, wherein BC Hydro hopes to fill the province’s power needs through renewable energy, developed and provided by private electricity suppliers. One of the key organizations involved is IPPBC, the Independent Power Producers of BC.
Mandate of the Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC)
From the IPPBC website: “The mandate of the IPPBC is to develop a viable independent power industry in British Columbia that serves the public interest by providing cost-effective electricity through the efficient and environmentally responsible development of the Province's energy resources.”
Will Investing in Green Electricity and Sustainable Business Kickstart BC’s Economy?
Repeatedly identified by experts as one of the most promising vehicles for global economic recovery, the renewable energy business is in a strong position to surge in the near future. British Columbia is home to many renewable energy opportunities, particularly hydro power and wind power, making investing in green electricity projects increasingly viable. BC Hydro’s Clean Power Call could play a major role in boosting the green energy industry, and in the process, the province’s economy as a whole.
Independent Power Producers of British Columbia (IPPBC) Management Team - IPPBC Executive Director Paul Kariya
Paul Kariya was appointed Executive Director of the Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC) in October 2009. A brief timeline of Kariya’s career:
- 1979 to 1994 - Various governmental positions, primarily in Fisheries and Oceans, and Indian and Northern Affairs
- 1994 to 1998 - Executive director of the BC Treaty Commission
- 1998 to 2001 - Chief executive officer of Fisheries Renewal BC
- 2002 to 2008 - Executive director of the Pacific Salmon Foundation
Trying to Combine Sustainable Business with Green Electricity - IPPBC Administration Team
- Executive Director: Paul Kariya
- Vice President: Loch McJannett
- Administrator: Melissa McArthur (Daily Administration, Event Registration, Membership Coordination)
- General Support: Lisa Bateman (Conference Exhibitor Manager, Public Director as Ambassador’s Support)
Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC) Roster
Private Suppliers of Electricity, Green Investing Funds, and Sustainable Business Ventures Combine
Combining volatile topics including sustainable business, environmental concerns, green investing, public vs. private power, and First Nations land rights, the discussion surrounding privately owned electricity suppliers in British Columbia is rife with controversy. While the desire for green electricity and sustainable business practices is shared by most, the debate between public vs. private electricity suppliers is often violently polarized.
IPPBC - Viable Renewable Energy Will Require Promotion of Green Investing Opportunities
The Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC) maintain that, in order to satisfy BC’s future power requirements, BC Hydro must turn to private electricity suppliers. One of their main reasons given is to save taxpayer dollars. According to the Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC), when the responsibility for making green electricity projects viable is put on private companies, taxpayer money will not have to be spent on research and development of experimental technology.
Key Allies of Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC)
- BC Citizens for Green Energy
Major Opponents of Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC)
- BC Citizens for Public Power (BCCPP)
- Western Canada Wilderness Committee (WCWC)
- COPE 378 (a BC Hydro union)
Sources:
- Independent Power Producers of BC (IPPBC)
- Sustainable Energy Finance Initiative (SEFI)
- Apollo Alliance
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