This is an excerpt from an article written by Vaughn Palmer in the Vancouver Sun on Feb. 16, 2010:

Meanwhile, the provincial and federal governments are seeking environmental approval for a proposed $400-million northwest transmission line, starting in Terrace and extending 335 kilometres to Bob Quinn Lake on Highway 37.

The proposal has drawn attention in the state of Alaska, where plans are afoot to develop hydroelectric resources as a substitute for diesel generation and for export. The routing for the proposed northwest line comes within 80 kilometres of the Panhandle.

The Alaskans have put out feelers to B. C about a possible link-up in hopes of using the provincial grid as a conveyor belt to sell electricity to the lower 48 American states. B.C., in return, would gain an ally in dealing with U.S. regulators in its own efforts to sell electricity south of the border.

"There have been some preliminary discussions with Alaska," confirmed Lekstrom.

"They seem very excited about the opportunity to access that grid. We're always open to talk to our neighbours about opportunities. . . . That may very well happen in future."

The link-up would represent another point of departure for BC Hydro, which has tended to regard neighbouring jurisdictions more as competitors than as partners.

But if Alaska was on board, it might give B.C. additional leverage to pursue another of the stated goals of the recent throne speech, "to seek major transmission upgrades with utilities in California and elsewhere."