From The Hotline, Summer, 2008 The BC Citizens for Public Power (BCCPP) is a dynamic grassroots movement that supports publicly-owned, affordable, reliable, clean, and renewable energy in British Columbia through its advocacy initiatives. Founded in 2002 by a group of concerned citizens representing diverse backgrounds and sectors of the community, including the academic community, trade unions, consumer organizations and environmental groups, as well as residents from every corner of the province. A registered non-profit society funded by donations from individuals and groups, BCCPP was formed in response to the BC Liberal government’s agenda of dismantling and privatizing BC Hydro. The BCCPP promotes and advocates for a publicly owned and integrated system of power production, transmission and distribution that provides BC residents with affordable, clean, reliable and renewable energy. Their mandate also includes a commitment to informing BC residents about the implications surrounding the deregulation, privatization and breakup of BC Hydro. Members of IBEW Local 258 recently voted, in a mail ballot, to approve a donation of $200,000 to the BCCPP in an effort to assist the organization in meeting its’ goals. In its efforts to continue to educate and inform government and British Columbians about the benefits of public power, the BCCPP is holding a conference this fall in Vancouver featuring keynote speaker Rafe Mair, former MLA, broadcaster, writer and outspoken political commentator. All are welcome to attend “More Power To You”, scheduled for October 4 & 5, 2008. Early bird registration is $50, and there are travel bursaries available. Visit the BCCPP website for registration forms at www.citizensforpublicpower.ca. Achievements to date of BC Citizens for Public Power: • The Interim Energy Policy Report: This report called for BC to move to North American market electricity rates. Current rates in San Francisco are now more than triple BC residential prices! We fought that plan, and the government was forced to abandon it. • Relaunch of www.citizensforpublicpower.ca website which now includes up-to-date information, news and event listings on public power issues and campaign activities. • Helped organize awareness events for the National Day of Action on Energy on February 5, 2008. • Coordinated a high profile demonstration opposing private power outside the BC Energy Summit in Vancouver on March 11, 2008. • Collaborated with environmental, First Nations and community groups to fight the Upper Pitt river private power project – a proposal which, if approved, would result in huge profits for the private company, Run of River Power Inc., soaring prices for ratepayers, significant environmental impacts to fish and wildlife, and the construction of transmission lines through Class-A protected Pinecone Burke Provincial Park. | 
