The provincial government plans to phase out Burrard Thermal but won't do it until replacement resources are in place to provide firm power required to meet B.C.'s energy needs.

That's the word from Energy Minister Blair Lekstrom who told the Tri-City News that BC Hydro's proposal to phase out the natural-gas fired plant by 2014, as supported by the government's Green Energy Plan, is likely too soon.

The plant on Port Moody's north shore is still used for emergency back up and in winter when electricity demands are high.

"Phase it out by 2014 I don't think it's realistic. You have to new firm power coming in,"said Lekstrom.

Tuesday's throne speech reversed a recommendation by the BC Utilities Commission which suggested keeping, and even retrofitting the 60-year-old plant, and established plans for a task force that would exist alongside the utility commission.

Lekstrom said the government was only clarifying its position on Burrard Thermal's role in B.C.'s long term green energy plan, not trying to interfere and he said the directive wasn't an unprecedented step.

"This is about clarifying the direction we've set. They do a god job. They are important and independent of government operation."

He also played down the role independent power producers will play in filling the gap left by Burrard Thermal, which he said needs to be replaced by firm power, which can be produced 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Assets such a hydro-electric dams meet that criteria, Lekstrom said, noting that $8.5 billion will be spent on upgrading these facilities.

"Run of the river wouldn't be classified as firm power for the most part, they are certainly strong in the spring with the freshet...They are part of our entire package but not the be all and end all," Lekstrom said.

His words could give some comfort to environmentalists concerned that phasing out Burrard Thermal is merely an opportunity to promote run-of-river projects proposed by independent power producers. Environmentalist Elaine Gold is concerned too much emphasis in the government's energy plan is devoted to electricity and not enough to transportation which contributes 40% of GHGs compared to 2% from electricity.

However, when the plant is eventually shut down Port Moody taxpayers may be facing an increased tax burden. PoMo would lose $1.5 million it receives for hosting the plant, grants in lieu of taxes and natural gas fees. A reserve fund was started up to cover the eventual loss in revenue but it wasn't added to this year because money was needed for city operations.