BACKGROUNDER: Independent Power Producer (IPP) Projects in BC

Posted May 12th, 2009
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For 35 years, West Coast Environmental Law Society has provided authoritative and non-partisan research and analysis on a host of environmental issues and is often looked upon as an independent legal resource for guidance on environmental issues. They have prepared a backgrounder report that addresses the most Frequently Asked Questions about IPPs. This backgrounder aims to provide balanced information about a controversial issue.  

Summarized below are key concerns that WCEL think need to be addressed by the provincial government to ensure a green energy supply into the future. 

  1. the lack of an upfront assessment to determine where IPPs should, and should not, be located so as to minimize their environmental impacts, and the fact that development is proceeding before this question is answered;
  2. the large industrial footprints (transmission lines, access roads, infrastructure, etc.) that some projects can have; 
  3. the application and strength of our environmental assessment process, including its ability to deal with cumulative impacts;
  4. the manner in which water licences and Crown land tenures are awarded to project proponents, the nature of the rights associated with tenures and licences, and the costs associated with obtaining and keeping them; and
  5. the role of local communities and First Nations in determining which projects get built, along with mechanisms to ensure that the maximum benefits from these projects flow back to the impacted communities and First Nations.

[Download the report]