B.C. Hydro's plan for a six-fold increase in the current level of electricity produced at its Burrard Thermal generating plant in Port Moody is drawing concerns from local environmentalists and regional air-quality officials.

A long-term acquisition plan submitted by the Crown corporation seeks approval to have the facility run at 50 per cent of its total capacity, which would equate to 3,000 gigawatt hours of energy per year (GWh/y). This plan would increase electricity production six-fold, as the plant produces 500 GWh/y (of its potential 6,000) at its current peak function.

The Burrard Thermal generating station, a natural gas-fired plant, supplements the hydroelectric system in years when water inflow is low and provides electrical supply security for the Lower Mainland.

 

B.C. Hydro has applied for a permit to increase the energy production of its Burrard Thermal generating plant in Port Moody.

The document outlines proposed changes to the station's status from a "swing plant" for occasional peak use to a "base load plant" supplying a steady stream of energy.

Port Moody resident Gene Vickers, co-spokesperson for B.C. Citizens for Green Energy, is concerned about what he sees as mixed messages B.C. Hydro is sending out.

"As far as cutting back to 50 per cent [from its full capacity], that's fine, but they haven't been operating anywhere near 50 per cent in years."

Ray Robb, air-quality director for Metro Vancouver, agreed. He said the distinction between base load plant and swing plant is not clear.

"When I talk [to B.C. Hydro] they say, 'Oh no, it won't operate any more [than it currently does], but that's not what it says on paper," he said.

"We need to look at whether the conditions in that permit are protective of the things we are trying to protect."

Simi Heer, spokesperson for B.C. Hydro, said the Crown corporation does not plan on changing the way it operates Burrard Thermal.

"In our LTAP (long-term acquisition plan) we asked for the generating potential of Burrard to be reduced from 6,000 GWh/y to 3,000 GWh/y. So we don't plan on using it for other purposes," Heer said.

The B.C. Utilities Commission will review the plan and conduct a full public hearing. Heer said a decision is expected in spring 2009.

Burke Mountain Naturalists conservation chair Elaine Golds said there should be a lot of public consideration before anyone rushes in to make decisions.

Because the province announced the plant was to be shut down several years ago, Golds was surprised to see plans for a swing in such a different direction.

"I'm pleased to hear it won't be shut down because it's very useful in the Lower Mainland, especially in case of emergencies, such as ice storms, when we can't get transmission from anywhere else in the province," Golds said. However, she said the plant should not be required to operate in the summer, as it is both noisy and contributes to the formation of smog.

"I would expect the plant is able to meet air emission standards, which Metro Vancouver has improved. However, it's not clear that it would under the options they are proposing," Golds said.