British Columbia Premier John Horgan and BC Hydro president Chris O’Riley joined Minister of Natural Resources Amarjeet Sohi to announce federal funding for the Peace Region Electricity Supply (PRES) project.
Electricity demand in the South Peace Region is increasing due to natural gas exploration and development. To meet current and future demand, BC Hydro will expand the existing transmission infrastructure by building two parallel 230-kilovolt power lines between the future Site C Substation near Fort St. John and the existing Groundbirch Substation, located about 30 kilometres east of Chetwynd.
“Transitioning to cleaner electricity is essential to protecting the environment, creating more sustainable communities and building a clean future,” said Sohi. “This important project will encourage Canadian businesses to transition to renewable energy, boosting the economic growth in the Peace region and promoting a greener way of life for all British Columbians.”
Once complete, industries and businesses in the Peace region will have access to a cleaner supply of energy to power their operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 megatonnes per year.
“Working with our federal partners, we are delivering the clean energy communities, businesses and industry need, while meeting our CleanBC goals,” said Horgan. “This investment helps B.C. build a low-carbon economy that includes all sectors and provides more opportunities for people.”
The Government of Canada is providing up to $83.6 million for this project through the Investing in Canada Plan, while BC Hydro is providing the remaining $205.4 million.
Helping industry move to clean, renewable energy, like hydroelectricity, is part of the CleanBC climate action plan to power B.C.’s growing economy.
