Plugged in and Tapped Out- Part 3

Who Controls the Plug? The Risks of Imported Power

British Columbia has long been proud of its clean, abundant hydroelectric power. But as climate change threatens water supplies, we face a new and uncomfortable reality: our energy future might not be as secure as we think.

One risk is our growing dependence on power imports from the United States. With our own hydroelectric generation declining due to drought and low snowpack, BC Hydro may increasingly turn to the U.S. grid to fill the gap.

Why is this a problem? Because relying on imported electricity means putting a key part of our infrastructure in the hands of a foreign government and private corporations—whose priorities may not align with ours.

Consider the volatility we've seen in U.S. politics. Energy policies can change overnight, tariffs can be imposed, and supply can be interrupted. The recent history of trade conflicts and shifting regulations shows how fragile this dependence can be.

Local Renewables: A Path to Energy Sovereignty

Fortunately, there’s a better way forward.

British Columbia is calling for new renewable projects to generate up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year—roughly the output expected from the Site C dam—focusing on wind, solar, and community-led initiatives, including many First Nations partnerships.

These projects won’t happen overnight. But investing in local, resilient energy sources is the only way to secure BC’s power future and reduce our vulnerability to external shocks.

Energy sovereignty isn’t just about electricity—it’s about control, resilience, and protecting our communities in an uncertain climate future.