Federal government to invest over $157 million in BC Hydro projects in B.C.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Over $156 million is being invested by the government in British Columbian electrical infrastructure projects related to BC Hydro, including in Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Hudson’s Hope.

According to a March 13th press release, $156,817,500 is being invested into eight BC Hydro projects in the province from the Government of Canada. 

The electric utility company is also contributing $172,917,500 to bolster the schemes. 

Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and Hudson’s Hope will receive funding to support the growing demand for BC Hydro transmission networks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Peace region will also see the construction of eight kilometres of a new 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and a substation to galvanize Westcoast Energy’s CS16 facility.

This is being done to “electrify” key infrastructure and support energy-efficient and sustainable communities.

“In British Columbia, we greatly value the support of the Government of Canada as we work together to build out our electricity grid and advance electrification of our industries, communities and vital facilities like hospitals,” says Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions.

“With 98 per cent of BC Hydro’s generation coming from clean or renewable sources and the third-lowest electricity rates in North America, electrification is one of our key paths to reducing carbon emissions and building a cleaner, prosperous economy.”

In Prince George, BC Hydro‘s North Coast Electrification initiative will see three new capacitor stations constructed along the 500 kV transmission line from the city to Terrace.

“Electrification remains the most accessible route for our customers to decarbonize,” says BC Hydro’s president and chief executive officer, Chris O’Riley.

“That’s why we are committed to expanding the supply of clean electricity throughout British Columbia in the coming years and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place to deliver power to the homes, businesses, essential services and industries that depend on it.”

The release says this is needed to help meet the region’s growing demand for clean, reliable electricity.

“This government is committed to investing in projects that will reduce emissions and support cleaner energy sources to meet the increasing demand for electrical energy across the province,” explains Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of energy and natural resources.

The funding for these projects is provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure stream.