The BC government is claiming to undertake a “consultation” but like the Step Code consultation, which created high costs and unintended consequences for home buyers, this is likely a done deal. We have already advocated for a balanced energy system in the interests of affordability and energy security.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is carbon-neutral & should be treated like electricity. RNG should be supported in terms of housing affordability, operating costs, mortgage helper suites, and maximizing space. RNG on-demand water units free up space for the design of smaller more affordable homes vs large electric tanks. The annual operating cost for a gas on-demand unit is half that of an electric tank. The gas unit lifespan is 20+ years vs an electric tank’s 7 to 10 years. An additional electric tank would be needed for a mortgage-helper suite assisting affordability. Four electric tanks would be needed to achieve the lifespan of one gas on-demand unit that operates more efficiently.
In addition, during the recent cold snap, FortisBC gas provided almost double the energy of BC Hydro. It is not credible to assume BC Hydro can deliver this energy in such a short timeline.
The BC government’s plans to fast-track this prohibition on a carbon neutral (RNG) energy source lacks common sense, affordability and real-world energy use, particularly in BC’s interior.
You can oppose this nonsense by contacting HEES@gov.bc.ca or Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines & Low Carbon Innovation.