Message from the Premier

The BC Energy Plan: A Vision for Clean Energy Leadership is British Columbia's plan to make our province energy self-sufficient while taking responsibility for our natural environment and climate. The world has turned its attention to the critical issue of global warming. This plan sets ambitious targets. We will pursue them relentlessly as we build a brighter future for B.C.

The BC Energy Plan sets out a strategy for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and commits to unprecedented investments in alternative technology based on the work that was undertaken by the Alternative Energy Task Force. Most importantly, this plan outlines the steps that all of us — including industry, environmental agencies, communities and citizens — must take to reach these goals for conservation, energy efficiency and clean energy so we can arrest the growth of greenhouse gases and reduce human impacts on the climate.

As stewards of this province, we have a responsibility to manage our natural resources in a way that ensures they both meet our needs today and the needs of our children and grandchildren. We will all have to think and act differently as we develop innovative and sustainable solutions to secure a clean and reliable energy supply for all British Columbians.

Our plan will make B.C. energy self-sufficient by 2016. To do this, we must maximize our conservation efforts. Conservation will reduce pressure on our energy supply and result in real savings for those who use less energy. Individual actions that reduce our own everyday energy consumption will make the difference between success and failure. For industry, conservation can lead to an effective, productive and significant competitive advantage. For communities, it can lead to healthier neighbourhoods and lifestyles for all of us.

We are looking at how we can use clean alternative energy sources, including bioenergy, geothermal, fuel cells, water-powered electricity, solar and wind to meet our province's energy needs. With each of these new options comes the opportunity for new job creation in areas such as research, development, and production of innovative energy and conservation solutions. The combination of renewable alternative energy sources and conservation will allow us to pursue our potential to become a net exporter of clean, renewable energy to our Pacific neighbours.

Just as the government's energy vision of 40 years ago led to massive benefits for our province, so will our decisions today. The BC Energy Plan will ensure a secure, reliable, and affordable energy supply for all British Columbians for years to come.

Premier Gordon Campbell