Site C’s fifth generating unit now operational

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Diversion tunnels at the Site C hydroelectric dam. (Energeticcity.ca)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The fifth generating unit at the Site C hydroelectric dam is officially up and running.

BC Hydro announced the generator was powered up on Wednesday, July 16th at 3:41 p.m.

This is the penultimate generating unit for the dam on the Peace River, which had its reservoir filled and first began generating electricity in fall 2024. Subsequent generators were turned on in December, February and March.

Each individual generating unit is capable of producing enough electricity to power “more than 80,000 homes,” according to BC Hydro’s press release.

“Commissioning the fifth generating unit at Site C is a significant step towards securing more clean and affordable electricity for communities, homes and businesses,” said Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions. “Congratulations to all the workers at Site C on your success achieving this significant milestone.”

Once Site C is fully operational, it’s expected to be able to power roughly 500,000 homes on its own, which BC Hydro says will boost the province’s total electricity supply by eight per cent.

The sixth and final generating unit is on track to be enabled in the fall of 2025.