Market Opportunity

Despite its vast hydro-electric resources, BC has become a net importer of electricity and is facing a very significant supply-demand gap.  BC Hydro has projected energy generation deficits of up to 1,400 MW by 2015.  

In response to this growing shortfall, the provincial government developed an Energy Plan to aggressively aquire power from independent sources.  In addition to energy self-sufficiency by 2016, BC's Energy Plan also calls for 90% of the province’s electricity to be generated from clean sources. New generation must have with zero net Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, with overall emissions dropping 33% by 2020 from 2007 levels.

The Energy Plan is expected to have a significantly positive influence on independent power producers, such as ROR Power, with an estmated 30,000 GWh of new generation required by 2016. Small hydro under 50 MW per project is typical of that being developed by the company, and are generally recognized as faster and cheaper to build than larger projects.

In supporting the BC Energy Plan, BC Hydro has initiated three programs for power acquisition. These include:

• Clean Power Call, for projects greater than 10 MW from all clean sources
• Standing Offer Program, a standardized, fast track program for projects smaller than 10 MW; and
• The Bioenergy Call for Power, consistent with the BC Government's Bioenergy Strategy for projects utilizing beetle-killed trees and other forest waste.