ABSTRACT
Attempting to scale up the deployment of renewable energy technology has come with considerable controversy and opposition. Research exploring this opposition has highlighted the importance of project control and decision-making structures, including public engagement and consultation. This article contributes to the discussion by considering how participatory processes might have varying effects across space and time. Combining the concept of hybrid forums with spatial theories of change, it explores participatory processes and how they can result in uneven change in sociotechnical networks. It applies this theoretical framing to one hydroelectric project in northeastern British Columbia, to show how lessons learned from this project, and, from the legacy of hydroelectricity more generally, are not consistent throughout the province and how attempts to manage these differences have led to further conflict and opposition. Key Words: British Columbia, hybrid forums, hydroelectricity, public participation, renewable energy policy.
