(UPDATE) Tumbler Ridge wind project to enter 2025 Call for Power

Updated October 24th, 8:55 a.m.: This article was updated to include information provided by the Peace River Regional District corporate administration regarding resolutions made about Invenergy’s Hourglass Wind Energy project.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Another green energy project in the Peace River region is seeking input from the regional district before applying to BC Hydro.

During the Peace River Regional District (PRRD)’s October 16th meeting a letter from Invenergy regarding the BC Hydro 2025 Call for Power was reviewed by the board of directors. 

Invenergy’s Hourglass Wind Energy project, located near the District of Tumbler Ridge, is expected to produce from 200 to 250 megawatts over an estimated 32 to 45 turbines. 

According to Invenergy, the location – 21 kilometres northeast of Tumbler Ridge on the eastern side of Highway 52 – was selected because of its “strong and reliable wind resource.”

The letter explained the company was submitting the project into the BC Hydro 2025 Call for Power for consideration for an electricity purchase agreement. 

Invenergy also expressed interest in understanding the interests, concerns and engagement approaches preferred by the board, and asked to schedule a meeting with the board of directors. 

“Invenergy is committed to sharing information about [the] project and working with interest holders to identify and address potential impacts,” Pamela Bishop-Byers, the manager of Indigenous and community relations, wrote in the letter. 

If the project is awarded a purchase agreement by BC Hydro, it would undergo review and approval by the BC Energy Regulator, according to Invenergy.

The board has expressed concerns about local windfarm projects since before the provincial government approved Bill 14. In meetings with other local wind farm projects, directors have also encouraged companies to actively seek collaboration and feedback from the community. 

After reviewing the letter, the board resolved to invite Invenergy to a future board meeting to discuss the project.

According to PRRD’s corporate administration, the board also voted it would share its concerns with the company to “ensure [the company is] prepared to speak to cumulative impacts, asset disposal plans, and economic benefits of their project to the region relative to their proposed project.”

To read Invenergy’s full letter, which includes a map of the project’s location, see below.