The BC government announced on November 2, 2012 that it will delay the submission of BC Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to Cabinet until August 3, 2013 – three months after the next provincial election. The most recent delay is due to uncertainty of electricity requirements for prospective liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in northern British Columbia. The potential LNG-related electricity load in the region would be substantial if proponents build plants that rely on BC Hydro to satisfy their power requirements.  Currently, the existing electricity service to the region is insufficient to meet the potential demand of the prospective projects. According to the announcement, the BC government, BC Hydro and the LNG proponents are currently negotiating electricity purchase agreements. The government believes that the delay of the IRP submission will provide all parties the flexibility to conclude the agreements and ensure the IRP is a realistic plan.