Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project

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 power 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 was removed in April 2026 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 power line around the new tower locations. This will improve the reliability of both lines.

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.

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.