B.C. Hydro put to the test over rising energy needs, drought and trade uncertainty [Video]

British Columbia’s power utility is facing transformational challenges of drought, rising costs and a trade war with the United States as it works to meet electricity demand that’s surging after two decades of relative stability.

An expected demand increase of 15 per cent by 2030 is sparking questions about whether B.C. Hydro is ready, with one former B.C. environment minister saying the province faces a power gap.

The Crown utility says it imported a net 13,600 gigawatt hours of power in the 2024 fiscal year, a figure representing about 22 per cent of all supply sources according to a service plan forecast issued last February.

But the utility says it has been a net exporter for eight of the past 15 years, and its outgoing CEO is unequivocal: “We have enough power.”

Customers “should feel confident that [B.C. Hydro] will be able to meet their needs in a range of …