The demand for electricity in B.C. is expected to grow by as much as 45 per cent – the majority of it in the Lower Mainland (Source: BC Hydro: Challenges and Choices). Most of the power used in the Lower Mainland comes from generation facilities in the province’s Interior. To ensure that BCTC can continue to meet the electricity needs of growing communities in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, we are studying ways to reinforce the transmission system between the B.C. Interior and the Lower Mainland by 2014.
BCTC will not decide on a recommended transmission solution before May 2007 and will do so only after talking with the public, First Nations Engagement, environmental studies, and additional engineering and costing analyses.
The alternatives being studied include:
1. An additional 500 kV transmission line proposed between the Nicola Substation near Merritt and the Meridian Substation in Coquitlam, along an existing right-of-way.
2. A package of upgrades to existing transmission lines and station facilities located between the Interior and the Lower Mainland.
Find out more about:
Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Reinforcement Project