BC Hydro 2024 Call for Power to benefit Peace region communities

TAYLOR, B.C. — BC Hydro has picked two projects in the Peace region as part of its 2024 Call for Power.

A total of nine projects were selected from the Call for Power, aligned with the 2021 Integrated Resource Plan.

BC Hydro says the projects will supply clean, affordable electricity to serve the province’s growing communities and housing needs.

The two projects in the Peace region are the Stewart Creek Wind Project and the Taylor Wind Project.

The Call for Power will award 30-year electricity purchase agreements to all the projects. 

“Now that the projects have been selected, we’re going to work together with BC Hydro, First Nations, and proponents to get these projects built quickly, responsibly, and efficiently, and get those turbines spinning,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. 

The projects will provide nearly 5,000 gigawatt hours per year of electricity, enough to power 500,000 new homes and boost BC Hydro’s current supply by eight per cent.

The development and construction of the projects is expected to generate between five and six billion dollars in private capital spending. 

“We need these new energy generation projects urgently to meet growing demand for power and accelerate our efforts to build a prosperous and inclusive clean economy,” said Dix.

The two Peace region projects are tied for the largest size out of all nine, with an expected capacity of 200 MegaWatts.

“Clean and affordable electricity is key to powering economic growth and unlocking private-sector investment that creates thousands of good jobs here in British Columbia,” said Premier David Eby. 

“These new projects will significantly expand our electricity supply – making B.C. a clean-energy superpower, while ensuring rates are affordable for people and for industries looking to expand.” 

The utility intends to ensure the projects are completed as efficiently as possible while maintaining First Nations interests.

The Stewart Creek Wind Project will be created in partnership with West Moberly First Nation, while the Taylor Wind Project will be made in partnership with Saulteau First Nations.