Roger Dall’Antonia
DELTA – FortisBC Energy Inc. has received approval from the province for its proposed Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion project in Delta.
Notification from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) arrived recently, and the project will replace the original Tilbury facility with a new modern facility that maintains essential gas supply and operational capability. Construction is expected to start as early as 2027.
In 2022, FortisBC and the Musqueam Indian Band signed an agreement to collaborate while developing the LNG facility.
“Projects like the Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion project are essential to strengthen the resiliency of B.C.’s energy system,” says Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC. “This investment is critical to FortisBC’s efforts to continue to play an important role in B.C.’s energy future.”
The existing Tilbury LNG facility plays a key role in the Lower Mainland’s gas system by producing and storing LNG for use during peak demand periods, acting as a backup source of natural gas in the event of a supply disruption.
Following FortisBC’s submission of a project application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) in December 2020, the BCUC released a decision requesting additional analysis. In October, 2024, FortisBC filed supplemental evidence to support the granting of a CPCN that addresses the BCUC’s comments.
Separately, the Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project, which includes the Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion Project, continues progressing through its Environmental Assessment process with the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office that began in 2019. This approval is also required for the project to proceed. A decision is expected as early as 2026.
FortisBC Energy Inc. employs around 2,160 British Columbians and serves approximately 1,098,400 customers across British Columbia. FortisBC Energy Inc. owns and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and approximately 51,700 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines. FortisBC Energy Inc. is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electricity and gas utility industry.
Business Examiner
