Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project
As part of an emergent capital project, we're upgrading the transmission system that serves approximately 14,000 customers in Powell River and surrounding communities. These upgrades will improve public safety and enhance long term electricity reliability.
What's new
March 2026
This spring, we'll remove the transmission line crossing at Agamemnon Channel. Major transmission system upgrades—including construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay—will also be completed.
Planned power outages are required for crews to safely complete this work. The outages [PDF, 200 KB] will take place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 24 and Sunday, June 7.
There are 138 kV and 230 kV power lines that deliver electricity to substations serving about 14,000 customers within the City of Powell River and surrounding communities, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.
We are replacing the aging 138 kV line that crosses Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel. The Jervis Inlet crossing was removed in October 2025 and will be replaced in spring 2027. The Agamemnon Channel crossing will be removed in April and replaced in the fall.
Both crossings will be rebuilt to 230 kV standards to increase system capacity and support future growth.
Major transmission system upgrades—including construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay—will also be completed.
Bypass line construction near Saltery Bay
When the Jervis Inlet crossing is reinstalled, it will connect to new anchor towers located farther upslope so the upgraded line can use modern, higher capacity conductors without requiring excessive tension to maintain safe clearance. Using the natural elevation creates a safer, more efficient design and ensures the upgraded line can carry the required electrical load while meeting clearance and operational requirements.
To support the new alignment, we are constructing a bypass line to safely reroute the existing 230 kV line around the new tower locations. This will improve the reliability of both lines.
Agamemnon Channel crossing removal
In April, the overhead Agamemnon Channel crossing will be removed. Marine traffic will be restricted from Monday, April 20, to Friday, April 24 while overhead power line work is underway. The contingency dates for this work are from Saturday, April 25 to Friday, May 1.
Transmission system upgrades
Extensive transmission system upgrades are planned for this spring. We'll be constructing new infrastructure to strengthen the system and improve operational flexibility.
Consultation and engagement
We continue to consult with shíshálh Nation and engage with stakeholders about the project.
This project will maintain public safety for the marine area below the power lines, enhance visibility of the lines for air traffic, and ensure electricity reliability for our customers in Powell River and the surrounding communities.
The Jervis Inlet crossing is located about 2.5 kilometres east of Saltery Bay and crosses to the north side of Nelson Island. The Agamemnon Channel crossing is located about 1.5 kilometres southwest of Earls Cove and crosses to the south side of Nelson Island. The project work will impact the wider communities beyond these areas through planned power outages, marine closures under the power lines during power line construction, and temporary closures to parts of the Sunshine Coast Trail.
Sunshine Coast Trail closures near Saltery Bay
The upper trail at Saltery Creek and lower trail at Ahlstrom Point will be closed from March 2 to June 10, 2026. An alternate route will be available via Saltery Bay FSR Br 01 to Rainy Day Lake, connecting to the upper trail toward Elephant and Lois Lakes.
Watch this short video that explains the planned work and why these temporary trail closures are needed.
Marine traffic restrictions – Agamemnon Channel
A short-term marine closure will be in place during the removal of the overhead crossing from Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24, 2026. The contingency dates for this work are from Saturday, April 25 to Friday, May 1, 2026. BC Ferries service between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove will not be affected by this closure.
Planned power outages
To safely complete these system upgrades, two 12‑hour power outages are required:
- Sunday, May 24, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Sunday, June 7, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
These outages will affect Powell River and surrounding communities, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.
Crews will also use this time to complete routine maintenance to help prevent future unplanned outages.
We realize that there's never a good time to have a power outage and thank you for your patience and support while we complete this important work. For outage preparation tips, please visit bchydro.com/outages.
A tentative schedule is provided below, but this is subject to change as we confirm project plans.
| Dates | Planned work |
|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | Removal of the 138 kV line across Agamemnon Channel. Major transmission system upgrades—including construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay—will also be completed. |
| Fall 2026 | The 138 kV line across Agamemnon Channel will be replaced and upgraded to 230 kV standards. |
| Spring 2027 | The 138 kV line across Jervis Inlet will be replaced and upgraded to 230 kV standards. |
Get in touch
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact:
Mary Anne Coules
Phone: 250 608 1885
Email: maryanne.coules@bchydro.com
Nubia Budau
Phone: 604 916 8903
Email: nubia.budau@bchydro.com
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BC Hydro is collecting your personal information (specifically, name, and email), for the purposes of the Jervis Inlet & Agamemnon Channel power line replacement project and will be used to contact you in the future about project updates, correspondence and project related notifications. This is done in accordance with BC Hydro's obligations under the Utilities Commission Act and under the authority of the Hydro and Power Authority Act. Data may be stored outside of Canada. If you have specific questions about the project or privacy concerns, please contact projects@bchydro.com.
