Major Transmission Investment in British Columbia
Earlier this week, BC Transmission Corporation ("BCTC") filed its Ten Year Capital Plan with the BC Utilities Commission, outlining $5.3 billion in expenditures to ensure British Columbians continue to benefit from reliable, clean and efficient electricity.
British Columbia requires significant transmission upgrades and new infrastructure to replace old transmission lines and to supply energy to the Province's growing population. With over 5,000 MWh expected to come online in the next five years, new and reliable transmission is critical. BCTC's investment will almost certainly help new power generation from independent power producers. For clean and renewable energy power producers, the Plan provides:
- BCTC has a fundamental role in helping British Columbia become energy self-sufficient by 2016 through the interconnection of clean and renewable energy to the transmission grid.
- $657 million over 10 years for interconnecting clean and renewable generation
- Includes both projects underway and projects expected to be required to meet forecasted energy need in the Province.
Other highlights of the Plan include:
- BC's reliable electricity highway powering homes and businesses;
- Meeting the needs of B.C.'s growing communities for a secure and reliable supply of electricity; and
- Investing in innovation and new digital technologies.
