From the Hotline, Spring, 2009 IBEW Local 258 can be proud of its leadership role in the fight to protect public power across British Columbia. Last year, our membership voted in favour of making a significant contribution to support the work of provincial grassroots advocacy group BC Citizens for Public Power (BCCPP). Through mobilization, education and advocacy, BCCPP works to ensure that BC’s electricity system is publicly owned, regulated and operated to provide British Columbians affordable, clean, reliable and renewable energy. Since 2002, their activities have included launching a class action lawsuit in response to the first phase of privatizing BC Hydro, commissioning research, producing and distributing educational materials, as well as coordinating and participating in hundreds of public forums, social action events, media interviews and more. Last year, BCCPP organized and hosted the tremendously successful MORE POWER TO YOU conference. This event was the impetus behind the launch of their recent provincial awareness and action campaign—BC Guardians. Time for Action The public vs. private power debate promises to be a critical issue in the upcoming provincial election on May 12th. Collectively, our efforts can help stop the privatization of BC’s electricity sector. Here are five actions we can take: Question the Candidates! State your case! Display a free BCCPP lawn sign on your property or in the window of your home or vehicle. Signs read: BC Hydro: The Power is Ours. KEEP IT PUBLIC. Vote May 12th. Question the candidates! Attend All Candidates’ meetings during the campaign period and raise questions about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of BC’s energy policy (see sample questions below). Go on record! Write the Ministers of Energy, Environment, the Premier and your MLA. Tell them you oppose the government’s energy policy and the privatization of BC’s electricity sector. Let provincial politicians know that public power is a key election issue for you. Consider a personal donation to BCCPP! Single or monthly contributions help BCCPP expand their outreach so they can increase their distribution of educational materials. Vote! Find out where your local candidates stand on this issue, then cast your vote to protect public power on May 12th. Here are a few suggested questions that you can ask at All Candidates meetings.
Phone your local candidate’s offices for a schedule of meeting dates/times/locations in your area. - The government has repeatedly stated that BC has been a net importer of electricity for most years over the past decade. In fact, data from BC Stats reveals that we have been a net exporter of energy for 7 of the last 11 years. Is your government prepared to reevaluate forecasted domestic energy requirements and the BC Energy Plan’s “self-sufficiency” targets?
- Do you favour repealing Bill 30 and restoring zoning authority rights to municipalities, regional districts and citizens with respect to private power developments slated for their jurisdictions?
- Would you support a moratorium on issuing any additional private power project licenses or applications in British Columbia? If so, for how long, and to what ends?
- In 2003, BC Hydro outsourced one-third of its operation—administrative and customer services—to Accenture, claiming costs savings of $250 million over the 10 year contract. With growing evidence of duplication of services and inefficiencies, will your government support an Auditor General’s review to investigate BC Hydro’s true costs and savings from its outsourcing agreement with Accenture?
- The BC Energy Plan presently restricts BC Hydro with respect to developing any new sources of energy for the province; new energy development is relegated to the private sector. Do you support lifting the existing restrictions that prevent BC Hydro from developing new generation projects?
- Would you support an Auditor General’s review of Energy Purchase Agreements between BC Hydro and private power companies to lift the veil of secrecy surrounding contract terms and conditions and assess the benefits to the province?
To request signs, educational materials, or to make a donation to BC Citizens for Public Power or the BC Guardians campaign, contact: m: 604 – 207 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 1H7 t: 604.681.5939 e: info@citizensforpublicpower.ca or coordinator@bcguardians.ca www: citizensforpublicpower.ca or bcguardians.ca | 
