British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, which operates as BC Hydro, distributes electricity to the 1.9 million residential and business customers. The province-owned utility owns more than 47,220 miles of transmission and distribution lines, and it operates hydroelectric and fossil-fueled power plants about 12,000 MW of generating capacity. Subsidiary Powerex markets and trades energy throughout North America. Powertech Labs, a wholly owned subsidiary of BC Hydro, provides consulting and testing services to utilities, gas companies, automotive manufacturers and others. A Crown corporation owned by British Columbia, BC Hydro is regulated by British Columbia Utilities Commission.