Generation System
When people think about the generation of electricity, they often think about dams. But although 90 per cent of BC Hydro's generation is produced by hydroelectric means, we have to work hard to balance our customer's energy needs with the concerns of the environment. We are investigating alternative sources of energy like wind and wave power, in addition to using natural gas and thermal power to round out our generation portfolio.
Over 80 per cent of BC Hydro's installed generating capacity is at hydroelectric installations in the Peace and Columbia river basins. Please go to the Electric Generation page to find out how BC Hydro harnesses streamflow, or the power of falling or moving water to generate electricity and alleviate flooding.
The GM Shrum and Peace Canyon generating stations on the Peace River produced 29 per cent of BC Hydro's electricity requirements. In the Columbia River Basin, Mica and Revelstoke hydroelectric plants together contributed 25 per cent, while Kootenay Canal and Seven Mile generating stations together supplied 10 per cent.
The remaining 25 hydroelectric generating stations supplied 14 per cent of electricity production. One of our other generation strategies is thermal. The Burrard Thermal Generating Station contributes 7.5 per cent, and the remaining 14.5 per cent of the electricity requirement was supplied by purchases and other transactions. For more information on our individual facilities, please see Generating Sites.
