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The politics of power

Just how political are power lines in B.C.?

Most people agree that they’re not pretty to look at. But if you want to turn the lights on, those ugly wires are a necessary evil.

The issue that has sparked the public’s concern recently is not the hum of the wires, but the restructuring of B.C. Hydro, the significant role of private power producers on our energy supply and cost, and the impact of Bill 30 on local communities. B.C. Hydro, traditionally a well-run and efficient Crown corporation, is looking much different than it did five years ago and whether these changes will benefit B.C. ratepayers is unclear.

The sword fight between the Black Knight and King Arthur in Monty Python and The Holy Grail is one of comedy’s classic scenes. While the knight loses his arms and legs in the duel, he dismisses the consequences of having a limbless body with cries of “It’s just a flesh wound!” or “’Tis but a scratch!” To some, the dismantling of B.C. Hydro is akin to the knight’s ordeal, though much less humorous and arguably less bloody.

Full Story:
The politics of power