The Energy Trilemma: Accessibility, Affordability & Sustainability | Conversations Live

Описание: Can British Columbia meet rising energy demand while keeping power affordable, reliable, and sustainable? | Conversations Live Episode 45

This Conversations Live panel tackles the Energy Trilemma: the growing tension between affordability, accessibility and environmental sustainability in BC and the Pacific Northwest.

As electricity demand accelerates due to electrification, AI, data centres, and population growth, panelists explore why energy infrastructure is struggling to keep pace and what that means for reliability, costs, and climate goals. The discussion highlights the increasing interdependence between electricity and natural gas systems, the risks of retiring dispatchable energy too quickly, and the urgent need for integrated, long-term planning.

Featuring insights from:
Roger Dall’Antonia – FortisBC
Crystal Ball – Pacific Northwest Utilities Conference Committee
Dan Kirschner – Northwest Gas Association
Barry Penner – Former BC Minister of Environment & Chair, BC Energy Futures Institute

Topics include:
• Rising electricity demand and grid reliability
• Energy affordability and energy poverty in BC
• Climate targets vs real-world infrastructure constraints
• The role of natural gas, renewables, hydro, and hybrid heating
• Why integrated energy planning matters
• Public confidence in governments to manage the energy transition

This conversation offers a grounded, practical look at how we can reduce emissions without compromising reliability or affordability.

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Conversations Live with Stuart McNish is a long form, thoughtful, public affairs dialogue series seeking to advance our understanding of the big issues of our times. See our website at http://www.conversationslive.ca and follow us on social media   / conversationslive.ca   and   / conversations-live