BC Hydro is set to invest nearly $6 billion in capital projects across British Columbia’s southern Interior over the next decade. This investment aims to expand the electricity grid and upgrade infrastructure to ensure a continued and reliable supply of clean power across the region.
“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,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “Throughout the southern Interior and in communities across B.C., these construction projects will create thousands of good jobs over the next decade and ensure that people have access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity, when they need it and where they need it.”
The plan includes significant investments in dam safety, equipment refurbishments, and the replacement of aging infrastructure. Approximately $1.2 billion will go toward improvements at the La Joie dam facility on the Bridge River, addressing seismic vulnerabilities and aging infrastructure. Additionally, around $3.8 billion will be dedicated to dam safety and equipment improvements at various facilities on the Bridge River and Columbia systems.
“In regions like the southern Interior, we are investing billions of dollars to significantly upgrade our generating facilities and transmission lines to improve dam safety, replace aging or end-of-life equipment, and reduce the risk of extended outages due to wildfires,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO of BC Hydro. “These investments, along with upgrades to our substations, and underground and overhead distribution infrastructure, will ensure BC Hydro can continue to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity British Columbians rely on.”
These projects are part of BC Hydro’s updated 10-Year Capital Plan, which involves $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments throughout B.C., marking a 50% increase over the previous plan. The new construction projects are expected to support 10,500 to 12,500 jobs annually.
“This significant investment by BC Hydro is crucial for the southern Interior. As our region continues to grow rapidly, these upgrades and expansions will ensure that our residents and businesses have access to reliable and clean electricity,” said Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “This not only supports our economic development, but also aligns with our commitment to a sustainable and clean economy. I’m proud to see these upgrades coming to Vernon.”
The southern Interior is experiencing growth in communities like Kamloops, West Kelowna, Lillooet, 100 Mile House, Vernon, and Lake Country. To meet these growing energy needs, BC Hydro is investing $5 billion in generating facilities and approximately $450 million in transmission capacity upgrades. This includes projects like the West Kelowna Transmission and Westbank Upgrade, which will add capacity to serve up to 26,000 more homes and provide redundancy to the area.
BC Hydro is also investing in new distribution infrastructure to serve more than 15,000 new homes in Kamloops and West Kelowna, with about $275 million allocated for substations to replace end-of-life equipment and upgrade station fire protection and telecommunication systems.
“This investment announcement from BC Hydro is welcome news and demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together. Investing in critical infrastructure now helps communities plan and build for the future,” said Victor Cumming, mayor of Vernon.
BC Hydro’s 10-Year Capital Plan is part of Powering Our Future: BC’s Clean Energy Strategy, focusing on building an economy powered by clean energy, creating new jobs, and keeping electricity affordable. Additionally, BC Hydro has launched a call for power to acquire approximately 3,000 gigawatt hours per year of clean electricity, adding 5% to its current supply to support the electrification of B.C.’s growing economy and reduce pollution.
“BC Hydro’s investment into capital projects across B.C.’s southern Interior over the next decade demonstrates their recognition of the unique needs and potential of communities like ours,” said Kirndeep Nahal, president of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. “The development of modern, efficient infrastructure is a critical driver of economic activity. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes the investment in our region, and we look forward to the opportunities this will bring to our community and members.”
