BC commits $10 billion to electricty infraSTRUCTURE build-out

British Columbia
The BC government has committed to serious investments to bolster British Columbia’s electricity infrastructure, with  $10 billion aimed at building out electricity transmission and distribution capacity.

This extensive build-out is set to transform the electricity landscape across B.C., targeting key regions such as Vancouver Island, Surrey, and the southern Interior. On Vancouver Island, significant investments include new substations, upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure, and seismic upgrades to key dams. In Surrey, the construction of new substations and enhancements to existing ones will support the city’s rapid growth and increasing electrification needs. The southern Interior will see nearly $6 billion invested in upgrading generating facilities, transmission lines, and substations.

The upgrades intend to support unprecedented growing demand for electricity.  Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation, emphasized, “We must build out B.C.’s electrical system like never before, to power our homes and businesses, to power a growing economy and to power our future.” Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro, noted, “We are embarking on significant upgrades to our electricity system to ensure we can continue to provide reliable and clean electricity to our customers.”

Massive build-out of B.C.’s electricity infrastructure presents a significant opportunity for the geothermal industry. As BC Hydro’s call for power aims to acquire approximately 3,000 gigawatt hours per year (GWh/y) of clean electricity, the geothermal sector must be poised and ready.  Stakeholders of our industry must quickly unite to advocate for regulatory overhaul to streamline project applications and fiscal reform to carve out geothermal in existing incentive programs that our developers may be positioned to provide clean power to meet BC's hefty demands. 

See BC Gov News for more information.