British Columbians are familiar with preparing for “the big one,” but it turns out BC Hydro is not ready for a widespread disaster.
A December 2012 audit from Price Waterhouse Coopers has found that the crown corporation has “no effective process” for assessing risks and no comprehensive disaster plan.
The audit also determined BC Hydro’s insurance is insufficient. The corporation has $2.25 billion in insurance, which is not nearly enough to cover liability and loss to property if there was a major disaster, according to the audit.
NDP Energy Critic John Horgan says the issue isn’t about spending more money, it’s about coordinating activity.
“It’s about who works here and what their responsibilities are if the building falls down. Those are basic issues.”
Energy Minister Bill Bennett says the crown corporation is prepared for a major disaster.
“It’s not like they are doing nothing, they are investing $2 billion in disaster and safety related issues. And was demonstrated in my part of the province, they actually did a pretty good job in preventing disaster with that dam in the East Kootenay.”
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