New natural gas strategy drives benefits for BC consumers
22.05.12
B.C.âs recently announced natural gas and liquefied natural gas strategies represent an important evolution in our governmentâs energy and economic priorities. Since the announcement, there has been much discussion about opportunities for the export market. At FortisBC, weâve turned our attention to opportunities for the domestic market. Specifically, the natural gas strategy supports the increased use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and its continued use in energy-efficient buildings and industrial processes. The government also outlined the further development of biomethane as another energy option for consumers. Each of these initiatives will expand customersâ energy options, while helping reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
The governmentâs shift is timely and reflects the uncertainty in the global economy and changes in the energy industry since the B.C. Energy Plan was announced in 2007. Today, natural gas accounts for approximately 22 per cent of the total energy delivered in B.C., roughly the same as electricity. We need to take full advantage of newly developed shale resources to maintain relatively low energy costs for British Columbians. At the same time, we must work to better meet our environmental objectives. This reflects the wishes of our customers. At FortisBC, we are addressing these challenges by bringing new energy options to the market, balancing economic and environmental priorities.
Source: Vancouver Sun