THE NDP said on Tuesday that on the same day that his latest climate conspiracy came to light, BC Conservative Leader John Rustad said he wanted to lead a conversation on energy literacy.
According to the NDP:
BC Hydro rates shot up by 80% under Rustad’s former government.
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They signed bad deals way above market prices that continue to cost BC customers $16 billion over 20 years.
Rustad’s plans to build nuclear reactors and gas-fired power plants would raise electricity costs for people:
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Nuclear power is five to 10 times more expensive than solar and wind.
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Next door, in Alberta, where 2/3rds of their electricity comes from natural gas, electricity rates are more than twice as high as B.C.
In spite of his direct claims, BC Hydro is already required by law to be energy independent and natural gas will continue to be used for home heating.
Under the BC NDP, electricity rates have been kept below inflation for the last six years in a row – and 12% lower than increases planned by Rustad’s government. BC now has the second-lowest residential rates in North America.
In a recent call for power, BC Hydro received massive interest for new low-cost renewable energy projects to meet future energy needs.
“We’ve worked hard to get hydro costs under control and make sure electricity is affordable for people and businesses,” said Josie Osborne, BC NDP candidate for Mid Island-Pacific Rim. “John Rustad’s plan to build nuclear reactors and gas-fired plants would drive up electricity costs for families. He’s a risk we can’t afford.”
