FortisBC files plan for long term power supplyKelowna, BC – June 1, 2009 - Increased self-sufficiency, expanded conservation programs and a diversified generation portfolio that is primarily focused on clean, renewable resources are the cornerstones of FortisBC’s 20-year Resource Plan filed with the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). FortisBC currently generates approximately 45 per cent of its electricity requirements. The balance is met through short and long term power purchase arrangements including an increasing reliance on spot market purchases. “Our plan for meeting customer’s increased electricity demand in the future will start with expansion of our PowerSense conservation programs,” said John Walker, President and CEO of FortisBC. “However, conservation will be insufficient by itself.” In the filing, FortisBC outlines an intention to meet 50 per cent of new energy demand through conservation by 2020. The Company’s forecast shows that after these targets are met, the growth in customer demand for electricity that will need to be met through supply side resources is expected to be approximately 25 per cent over the next 20 years. “Our four generating stations on the Kootenay River have served us well but to meet customer’s long term electricity needs, we need to both expand our conservation programs and add new generation resources over the next 20 years,” said Walker. The 2009 Resource Plan filed with the BCUC seeks acceptance of a power supply resource portfolio that includes a combination of small hydroelectric power, pumped storage hydroelectric power and other clean, renewable power projects, along with peaking natural gas generation. The natural gas resource is planned to be used on a temporary basis until the other proposed long-term generation resources can be developed, and later remain as a standby generation resource. FortisBC’s 2009 Resource Plan is well aligned with the British Columbia Energy Plan released in 2007, which envisions provincial self-sufficiency and emphasizes the importance of energy conservation programs and clean energy. “In the process of developing the Resource Plan, FortisBC met with representatives from more than 15 communities and gathered input from over 1200 customers through workshops, focus groups and public opinion surveys,” said Walker. “This input helped us better understand public attitudes and preferences about future resource options. Our preferred solution reflects this input.” Public open houses are planned over the next few months as the next step in the Company’s consultation process. These open houses will outline FortisBC’s findings to date and solicit further feedback on the Resource Plan. The BCUC will establish a schedule for the regulatory process to review the 2009 Resource Plan in accordance with the BCUC's resource planning guidelines. For more information on how to get involved in the regulatory review process, visit the BCUC website at www.bcuc.com. The full plan including appendices is available on FortisBC’s web site at www.fortisbc.com as well as BCUC’s website at www.bcuc.com. About FortisBC Inc. FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves approximately 158,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com . For further information contact: |
 
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