HYDRO, CRIME STOPPERS JOIN FORCES ON GROW OPS

BC Hydro is partnering with the B.C. Crime Stoppers Association to
encourage people to report suspected marijuana grow operations.

Hydro and the Ministry of Public Safety and the solicitor general
made the announcement Monday in a news release.

Hydro's energy diversion investigators will now be able to receive
addresses of suspected grow ops reported to the Crime Stoppers' tip
line. This new information will assist the investigators in
confirming energy thefts and recovering funds.

Where evidence of thefts is found, Hydro lays complaints with law
enforcement agencies, which in turn obtain search warrants and
recommend charging suspects.

"We believe that the partnership will increase identification of
electricity theft and ultimately assist police in shutting down grow
ops in B.C.," John Les, minister of public safety and solicitor general, said.

"Our government is working to put a stop to marijuana grow-ops by
improving links between Hydro, local governments and safety and law
enforcement agencies."

Bob Elton, Hydro's president and CEO, said energy diversions and
marijuana grow ops create safety risks for Hydro employees, first
responders and the public.

"Illegitimate consumption of electricity by marijuana grow ops is
also a waste of electricity and an affront to the efforts of
legitimate customers to conserve," he said.

Callers to Crime Stoppers do not have to give their name or telephone
number and they do not have to testify in court.

Anyone who knows of a suspected marijuana grow operation can call the
Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave a secure
tip online at www.bccrimestoppers.com.77