UNESCO / IHA Blue Planet Prize 2005

Sechelt Creek Hydropower Project

and

Regional Power Inc.

Press Release

The Sechelt Creek hydropower project, developed and operated by Regional Power Inc., has won the 2005 UNESCO International Hydropower Association (IHA) Blue Planet Prize at the United Nations Conference of parties on Climate Change in Montreal on December 4, 2005.

            The Sechelt Creek project was one of three winners recognized for excellence in sustainable hydropower development. The Sechelt Creek project was specifically acknowledged for its social, environmental, and technical excellence.

            In awarding the Prize, the International Panel of Judges and the Jury, made up of representatives of UNESCO and the IHA, said the Sechelt Creek project “re-established a thriving salmon run. An important element for the scheme is the partnership with the local Sechelt Indian Band and fisheries authorities, leading to benefits for the local community and the environment.” They also mentioned that the project “incorporated technical innovation in synergy with the local environment in a remote part of Canada.”

            The Sechelt Creek project is a 16 MW facility designed, developed and built by Regional Power. It began operating in 1997, and sells all its electricity to BC Hydro under a long term contract. It supplies enough electricity for a community of 9,000 homes. The project was acquired by the Clean Power Income Fund in 2001 and continues to be operated by Regional Power under a long term operating agreement.

            The Blue Planet Prize is awarded every two years by the IHA to recognize excellence in sustainable practices, in both development and operations, of hydropower facilities in operation for a minimum of three years.

December 5, 2005

Contacts: (416) 593-4717

Colin Coolican, President

David Carter, Vice President