The institutional barriers to public participation in electrical energy planning in British Columbia : the case study of the Cheekye-Dunsmuir 500 kV transmission line
Date
1981
Authors
Fraggalosch, Audrey Christina
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Abstract
The issue of energy planning and decision making in industrial nations is becoming increasingly critical to societal well-being. Such decisions impact on a wide range of factors including: human health and safety, economic stability, environmental quality, social flexibility and civil liberties. Public participation in these public policy issues is considered to be a basic democratic right.
The purpose of this thesis is to identify the institutional barriers to public participation in electrical energy planning in British Columbia . The issue was seen as important in that energy decisions are extremely crucial and directly affect the public. There appeared to be institutional barriers or constraints, in the form of laws, policies and administrative procedures which restricted public participation in energy planning. Examination of such barriers was believed to be a useful avenue to the improvement of the decision making process.
The pursuit of these objectives was undertaken in three stages. Firstly, a literature review was carried out. Its purpose was to determine whether there is in fact a valid case for increased public participation in resources management. The first portion of the thesis reviews the theory and practice of public participation in resource management issues, particularly energy issues in Canada. Principles for effective public participation are identified.
Secondly, it was necessary to review the institutional framework of decision making on electrical energy in British Columbia, in order to identify possible institutional barriers to effective participation. The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, the major public utility in the province, is the focus of analysis since it is the key planning and decision making body.
And thirdly, it was important to select a case study in British Columbia to focus the analysis and to examine in more detail the institutional barriers to participation previously identified. The British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority's proposed Cheekye-Dunsmuir 500 kilovolt transmission line to link Vancouver Island with the mainland was selected for the case study. The problems and issues encountered on the Cheekye-Dunsmuir project were considered to be in some ways a microcosm of those involved in electrical energy planning throughout the province. Interviews were conducted with affected public interest groups and individuals, B.C. Hydro staff and provincial government officials. The principles for effective public participation developed from the literature review were then employed as evaluative criteria to analyze the results of the interviews.
The thesis concludes that significant institutional barriers to public participation exist in electrical energy planning in British Columbia. In order to establish a more participatory planning process, there is a need to remove existing constraints to effective public involvement. To this end, it is recommended that the mandate and responsibilities of the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority be redefined and clarified to ensure that the broader social and political decisions concerning energy are made with greater public input. The challenge lies in developing institutions that will facilitate rather than constrain effective public participation.