News Release - April 09, 2008

VICTORIA - The Official Opposition fought for affordable energy prices - especially for seniors and people with low incomes - during energy debates in the Legislature this week.

All week long Opposition MLAs hammered the Campbell government for its plans to privatize power generation and its ongoing refusal to ensure low prices for British Columbians.

Led by Opposition energy critic John Horgan , who introduced two amendments and a motion to put a moratorium on private power developments such as the one John Horgan proposed for the Upper Pitt River, Opposition MLAs pressed for polices that would ensure all British Columbians benefit from B.C.'s energy potential.

"It's astonishing to me that the Campbell Liberals wouldn't support these amendments," said Horgan. "Why isn't Premier Campbell willing to protect British Columbians - especially seniors and those on low incomes - from being overwhelmed by huge increases in Hydro rates?"

One of Horgan's amendments would have created a "Lifeline" rate which would have ensured economic relief for people based on their ability to pay. It was based on the successful CARE (California Alternate Rates for Energy) program in the U.S.

His other amendment would have empowered the B.C. Utilities Commission to ensrue that BC Hydro did not pay excessive rates for privately generated power.

"These were reasonable amendments designed to keep power affordable in British Columbia," said Horgan, the MLA for Malahat - Juan de Fuca. "The Campbell government has proven that they prefer to take the side of their friends in the private power business, instead of British Columbians."

Throughout the week, Opposition MLAs supported Official Opposition Leader Carole James' call for a moratorium on new independent power projects until a comprehensive, independent review of social, economic and environmental impacts is completed.

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