Electricity is measured as you draw from the power grid. It flows from the supply lines and through the electrical meter. As electricity flows through a conductor an electromagnetic field is created. The strength of the electromagnetic field is directly dependant on the amount of electricity being used. The greater the strength of the field the faster the meter spins. Or, the faster the digital meter computes.

Electrical use is measured in Watts. We are billed for electricity use in kWh (kilowatts per hour).

kWh = using 1000 Watts of electricity for 1 hour.

1 kWh = using 10   100W light bulbs for 1 hour     Cost $.0635 to $.0827

1 kWh = running a 1000W vacuum for 1 hour        Cost $.0635 to $.0827

We have a two level rate system in BC.  As of October 1, 2008 the Step 1 rate (up to 1,350 kWh) was 5.98 cents per kWh. The Step 2 rate (above 1,350 kWh) was 7.21 cents per kWh. This has since increased, as of April 1, 2009 to Step 1 rate of 6.35 cents per kWh, and the Step 2 rate of 8.27 cents per kWh.

Prior to this, the rate across the board was 6.55 cents per kWh. Although we have low rates in BC, and most likely always will compared to the rest of the world, electricity rates will continue to increase.

Link to the BC Hydro web page on rates.

http://www.bchydro.com/news/articles/conservation/bc_hydro_s_two-step.html

There are numerous ways to reduce electricity costs. The simplest is to just turn the power off when your lights etc. are not in use. Energy efficient appliances, timers, dimmers, LED or compact fluorescent bulbs and high efficiency fluorescent ballasts are another solution.

Link to the BC Hydro web page on rebates.

http://www.bchydro.com/rebates_savings/product_incentive_program.html

The energy efficient ballasts are a great thing to do for commercial buildings. The energy savings (40-70%), combined with the rebates now offered by BC Hydro will pay for the entire project in 18-30 months. After that, the savings go directly to the bottom line.

Our population is increasing, energy use is increasing and electricity rates are increasing. The most efficient solution, from an electrical standpoint, is to build mega-project hydroelectric dams in out of the way places.

British Columbians have been building dams since the turn of the century. The period of greatest activity occurred in the 1950's, 60's, and 70's when BC pursued an aggressive program of large-scale dam construction. Hydroelectric power production (for domestic use and export) was the major purpose of these large-scale dams. Most British Columbians embraced dam construction in the post-war period as a positive step toward economic prosperity. That began to change in the 1970's as residents witnessed the serious environmental and social costs of dams. The decline of fish stocks and the permanent drowning of productive farmland, valley-bottom forest, scenic canyons, and (in some cases) entire towns fueled a growing public opposition to new dams. During the 1970's and 80's, grass-roots lobbying blocked the construction of new dams on the Skagit, Stikine, and Peace rivers.

Recently, BC's provincial government responded to public opinion by legislatively protecting important salmon rivers against future dams under the Fish Protection Act. In addition, BC has embraced two important programs — the "BC Heritage Rivers System" and the "Canadian Heritage Rivers System" — which officially commemorate BC rivers that represent outstanding values of provincial and national significance. These values include history, culture, economy, recreation, and ecology.

Programs are in place for smaller private projects and many such projects are under way. As a homeowner or business owner you can install a grid-tie system and produce your own electricity. Slowing down your meter or feeding power back into the system and receiving a cheque from BC Hydro.

We want more electricity and we don’t want to pay very much for it. But we also don’t want to build hydroelectric projects. Something will have to give. At the moment, rates are increasing and incentives are being put in place to reduce usage.

For information on back up power system or grid tie systems contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Or visit our website at:  http://www.pacificstarelectric.ca/