Letter BC Hydro Net Metering Program

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Bowen  Denman  Hornby  Gabriola  Galiano Gambier  Lasqueti  Mayne  North Pender  Salt Spring  Saturna  South Pender  Thetis 
 
 
200-1627 Fort Street, Victoria BC  V8R 1H8 
Telephone  (250) 405-5151    Fax  (250) 405-5155 
Toll Free via Enquiry BC in Vancouver 604.660-2421.  Elsewhere in BC 
1.800.663.7867 
Email  information@islandstrust.bc.ca 
Web  www.islandstrust.bc.ca 
 
 
October 3, 2018         File No.: 0400-30; 5590-20 
 
Via email:  ted.olynyk@bchydro.com  
 
Ted Olynyk, Manager 
BC Hydro Community Relations 
Vancouver Island – Sunshine Coast Office 
 
Dear Ted: 
 
Re:  Net Metering Program  
 
Thank you for taking the time during the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Convention to meet with 
us to discuss BC Hydro’s net metering program.   
 
We understand that BC Hydro is amending the solar net metering service to curb the amount of energy net-metered 
customers can sell to BC Hydro. We are still unclear as to the guiding principles that informed this decision. As we 
mentioned at the meeting, we’ve heard from constituents that changes to net metering program are deterring solar 
panel purchases in the Islands Trust Area.  
 
The Islands Trust Council’s Policy Statement includes the following policies: 
 
Trust Council holds that local trust committees and island municipalities should be consulted and involved in 
the decision-making process regarding provision of utilities, transportation services or facilities that might 
affect land use in their local planning areas. (Policy 5.3.1) 
 
Trust Council holds that economic opportunities should be compatible with the conservation of resources and 
protection of community character. (Policy 5.7.1) 
 
Trust Council holds that public participation should be part of the decision-making processes of all levels of government. 
(Policy 5.8.1) 
 
As I mentioned at the meeting in keeping with the spirit of those policies, we would appreciate more information about 
the principles and rationale for changing the solar net metering program. 
 
Thank you for considering this request. We look forward to continued dialogue into the future.   
 
Yours sincerely, 
 
 
 
Peter Luckham, Chair 
Islands Trust Council 
pluckham@islandstrust.bc.ca  
 
cc:   Islands Trust Area MLAs 
Salish Sea Renewable Energy Cooperative 
Island Trust Council 
 Bowen Island Municipality 
 Islands Trust website

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