Bridge River Transmission Project
What's new
We're currently in the process of renewing our Bridge River generating facilities, located near Seton Portage to help us operate more efficiently. The Bridge River Transmission Project will improve reliability and safety of the Bridge River transmission system by eliminating system constraints and increasing its capacity to move electricity from where it’s produced to other parts of the province.
Activity update
In July 2021, we applied to the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for a joint Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) with the Bridge River Generator Project. This application is in process with more information to be provided and a decision expected in 2024.
In summer 2022, we conducted field visits to further the design of the leading alternative. The fieldwork looked at the structures that need to be modified or upgraded (approximately 150 identified at this time), the access points and roads needed to get to the structures, and completed environmental and archaeological surveys.
Based on this work, we've identified some locations where we'll need to use helicopters for access, and others where new access roads will likely be needed. On some of the existing access roads, to accommodate construction vehicles, we'll likely need to do some vegetation removal and upgrade the road base. The design work is in development and more details will be available in the next phase.
During the structure work, vegetation will be removed as needed in the right-of-way. In addition, to ensure the continued safe operation of the line, some trees will need to be removed within the right-of-way or adjacent to it. Further design and planning for this work will take place in the next phase, prior to construction.
The Bridge River Area Transmission Project will ensure that we continue providing clean, reliable electricity to communities in southern B.C.
In June 2020, we identified the leading alternative for this project is to upgrade a number of structures (approximately 150 identified at this time) and raise the height of an existing line in several sections between Kelly Lake Substation and Bridge River Terminal Station (see map) within existing BC Hydro right-of-way (the land under and around our power lines).
Work will also include upgrades to existing access roads and the creation of some new roads to access the structures.
Throughout the remainder of 2022 and 2023, we’ll complete our preliminary design, update the project schedule, submit more information for the CPCN application and obtain regulatory approvals. Currently, the project is planning to begin construction in 2024 with completion in the fall of 2026.
Maintenance work on the existing line between Kelly Lake Substation and Bridge River Terminal Station will continue as needed.
We'll keep local governments, residents and businesses located near the project informed through regular communications at key milestones.
If you would like to be added to our email notification list, please email projects@bchydro.com.
Contact us
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:
Email: projects@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 623 4472
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334