BC Hydro’s second generating unit now operational

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — BC Hydro has released the Site C project construction update for December, which includes information on the dam site, powerhouse, and generating unit installation.

According to the utility, the project’s second generating unit is now online, providing power to the electric system. 

“With two generating units up and running, this increases BC Hydro’s ability to produce more reliable electricity for customers heading into winter when the demand for power is at its highest,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions.

The service published its construction bulletin on December 13th.

Road maintenance near the Site C dam is expected to continue for the coming weeks, alongside work on the right bank drainage tunnel, left bank drainage adit, and dam buttress galleries.

Crews are also pouring the foundations for permanent dam safety monitoring equipment.

At the Site C powerhouse, ongoing construction includes installing a cable tray, electrical cables, and equipment.

The installation of isolated-phase bus and 500-kilovolt line termination equipment to receive the new 500-kilovolt transmission lines are also underway. 

Generating units four and six are being installed, and the commissioning of unit three is underway. 

The first generating unit became operational back in October.

“By this time next year, we expect to have all six generating units at Site C providing electricity to British Columbians,” says Dix.

The remaining four generating units are expected to become operational one at a time.

People are still strongly discouraged from swimming in the reservoir for at least another year until it is deemed safe. 

The full construction bulletin for the Site C project from December can be read below: