This seems like a big deal:
BC Hydro [the province’s electric utility] is offering to pay its industrial customers up to 100 per cent of the cost of energy-efficient investments under $1 million, and up to 75 per cent of the cost of projects over $1 million…
“”We’re spending $80 million, but…[o]verall, the program has a net benefit of $120 million compared with the cost of purchasing new electricity supply.”
Wow. So BC Hydro is flat out paying for massive efficiency upgrades, and expects to make money on the deal. That’s one kind of industrial subsidy that I actually don’t mind.
VeloBusDriver
I don’t think you’re selling this enough. Think about it: BC Hydro is paying 75-100% of the cost of projects that enable it’s customers to purchase LESS of it’s primary product. That is completely anti-business “common sense”. It’s like BP giving you a rebate to buy a Focus or a Prius instead of buying a gas guzzling Explorer or Land Cruiser. In the context of a regulated electricity market with massive capital costs involved in expanding capacity, it makes *complete* sense.It’s not a big deal – It’s a really HUGE deal and a wonderful example of decoupling electricity rates. Assuming the funds for the upgrade comes from a “conservation program charge” on all electricity sales, it could also be considered an example of a “feebate”. No?
MicheLynne
[Just adding a link to also help it sell…]