BC Hydro seeks feedback on Fort Nelson’s long-term resource plan

FORT NELSON, B.C. — BC Hydro is seeking public feedback through an online survey on a long-term resource plan for the Fort Nelson area.

According to BC Hydro, the plan will consider supply and demand for electricity and evolving energy policies over the next 20 years.

BC Hydro says there is an increase in policies and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which may affect the operations of the natural gas-fired Fort Nelson Generating Station, so BC Hydro is exploring future renewable energy options.

The timeline for the feedback will include two stages, and the first is to understand what matters to residents of Fort Nelson while BC Hydro develops the plan.

The second part, which will begin in January, will be once a draft of the plan is ready to be reviewed by the public.

The plan is expected to be submitted to the B.C. Utilities Commission (BCUC) for review in spring 2024.

BC Hydro says the Fort Nelson region currently has two power sources — the Fort Nelson Generating Station and a long transmission line connecting to Alberta’s electrical system.

Each power source alone can serve the community, and if one supply is unavailable, the other is used.

For more information on the proposed ideas for renewable energy, visit BC Hydro’s website.

The online survey takes five to ten minutes and is available until December 1st.