BC Hydro's $3 billion North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) to the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako will get a boost to help ensure that the project is built as fast and efficiently as possible.
Earlier this month, at the B.C. Natural Resources Forum, premier David Eby announced that the province is taking action to accelerate the project by enabling the B.C. Energy Regulator (BCER) to act as a one-window regulator for permits necessary to build the new infrastructure, which will help speed up the expansion of B.C.'s energy grid, especially for the NCTL and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects.
“We urgently need to expand our electricity system in the north to meet the needs of growing industries that want to use clean energy to sustain and expand their operations, creating jobs and economic benefits for First Nations and communities,” Eby said. “The BC Energy Regulator is an experienced organization that has demonstrated expertise at getting projects moving quickly, while providing robust regulatory oversight through the life cycle of projects.”
The province will make legislative amendments in the spring to enable the BCER to make decisions on permits and authorizations associated with the construction of the NCTL and other major high-voltage projects, which will ensure that BC Hydro's project can deliver clean power to regional industries and businesses as quickly and efficiently as possible.
BC Hydro is investing in Northern B.C. to help meet the growing demand from customers for renewable electricity. The area is currently served by one 500-kilovolt line to Terrace and then smaller lines north, west and south.
"We're seeing significant potential growth in the area and have initiated projects to built new lines and twin the existing radial 500-kilovolt system between Prince George and Terrace to meet these significant new loads," said Kyle Donaldson of BC Hydro media relations and issues management. "This project will also improve reliability in the region."
The new transmission line will run about 450 kilometres between Prince George and Terrace, and will be comprised of two new transmission line segments and associated towers, as well as upgrades to the existing substation and capacitor station infrastructure.
BC Hydro is also working with First Nations on this project.
"We are currently working with First Nations to identify the leading route for the new line," Donaldson said. "Together with the province, we are also continuing deep discussions with First Nations on co-ownership of the proposed transmission line."
