Premier Christy Clark says B.C. is going to eventually need the power generated from the controversial Site C dam and that it is short-sighted to focus on its immediate, upfront costs.

In a year-end interview with CBC Vancouver host Andrew Chang that covered everything from energy costs to LNG plans to what she wants for Christmas, Clark said even though the $8.7-billion dam will generate a surplus of hydroelectric energy when it is completed in 2024, the Liberals' plan is focused on the long-term needs of the province.

She described it as a "100-year plan" for the future.

"I would challenge critics to look back at any major dam we've built and say do we regret it," Clark said.

"Do we regret the power and the endowment of that cheap, sustainable power and what it's created for B.C.? You can look at the future, and we know the world needs more energy and needs to be clean."

Watch the full interview: Premier Clark defends Site C's costs

Chang also interviewed NDP leader John Horgan on the challenges of being the opposition leader.