Building British Columbia: BC Hydro’s plans to power our province
Chris O'Riley
British Columbia has benefitted from clean, reliable and affordable electricity for decades. Much of that is due to the foresight of leaders who took advantage of the hydroelectric potential of our rivers and harnessed it to build a province.
Our hydroelectric backbone has made B.C. prosper. It has supported the business of B.C. — not just commercially or industrially, but British Columbians' everyday business, their daily lives.
Whether it's enabling industry, renewable energy development, the automation of our homes, or the electrification of our vehicles, BC Hydro continues to play a big role in encouraging and supporting growth in B.C. and building this province.
Today, hydroelectricity is potentially even more important given the value of clean energy. As we look to the future of B.C.'s energy needs, it's all about laying the foundation for the future economy by powering new development with clean energy and capacity.
Join BC Hydro's new President and Chief Operating Officer, Chris O'Riley, as he discusses BC Hydro's plans to build the future of B.C. and respond to the province's changing energy needs.
About the speaker:
Chris O'Riley was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of BC Hydro in July 2017.
Chris leads B.C.'s largest Crown corporation, the fourth largest company in the province as ranked by annual revenue. With a clean energy advantage thanks to a long history of hydroelectric generation, BC Hydro delivers 98% renewable and clean electricity to its 4 million customers. To ensure a reliable supply of this critical product, BC Hydro will spend approximately $2 billion per year over the next 10 years to refurbish and expand its electricity assets. With construction of the Site C Project currently underway, Chris continues to seek opportunities to support clean development in B.C., such as through low carbon electrification.
Chris built his career at BC Hydro, starting as an engineer-in-training fresh out of university in 1990. During his 28-year career, Chris has held positions throughout the organization and across the province, including roles in Generation, Customer Care, Capital Projects, Powerex and Corporate Risk. Since 2015, Chris served as BC Hydro's Deputy Chief Executive Officer and he has been a member of the Executive Team since 2007.
Originally from Nova Scotia, Chris' family relocated to B.C. in 1974. Why? His dad was inspired by the growth in B.C. and in particular, a Time Magazine article featuring W.A.C. Bennett, the driving force behind BC Hydro as we know it today. With great appreciation for the sense of history and legacy of our province's crown jewel, Chris feels honoured to be leading the company today.
Chris is a Professional Engineer and holds a Master's degree in Business Administration. Chris lives in Vancouver with his wife and three children, where he is active in his local community.
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