The government has issued orders to BC Hydro and the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to implement the 10 Year Plan for BC Hydro.

This balanced and responsible plan will keep electricity rates as low as possible while BC Hydro makes investments in aging assets and new infrastructure to support British Columbia's growing population and economy.

The orders set rate increases for fiscal 2015 and 2016 at 9% and 6% respectively, and ensure the amount of money government takes from BC Hydro is reduced over time.

In addition, Howard Harowitz, Iain F. MacPhail and Karen Keilty (effective June 1, 2014) have been appointed part-time commissioners to the BCUC, replacing outgoing commissioners Michael Harle and Alison Rhodes, who have finished their terms.

Biographies are available here: www.fin.gov.bc.ca/BRDO/boardView.asp?boardNum=5367

For more details on the directions and amendments to the BCUC and BC Hydro, click here: www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/oic/2014/index.htm or www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2013/11/10-year-plan.html

Media Contact:

Jake Jacobs
Media Officer
Ministry of Energy and Mines
and Responsible for Core Review
250 952-0628