BC Hydro to strengthen and reinforce the transmission network delivering electricity to Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna, Peachland, and parts of Summerland. Photo credit: bchydro
WEST KELOWNA – BC Hydro has identified a new leading alternative for its West Kelowna Transmission project – connecting through FortisBC Inc.‘s system – to provide an additional source of clean power to Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna, Peachland and parts of Summerland.
There are approximately 70,000 people served by Westbank substation, which is currently supplied by a single 138-kilovolt transmission line from Nicola substation near Merritt. The Westbank substation has been identified for a second source of power due to the remote location, rough terrain, and size of the existing 80-kilometre transmission line, which could pose power restoration challenges, especially during wildfire season when there is elevated risk in the area.
Following studies of multiple alternatives for the new transmission line, and ongoing collaboration with the Syilx Okanagan Nation and consultation with stakeholders and local government – as well as engineering, safety and social-environmental studies – BC Hydro has selected the FortisBC connection as the leading alternative. This connection involves building a new transmission line, including crossing Okanagan Lake, connecting Westbank substation to the FortisBC system in Kelowna.
“Selecting the FortisBC connection as the leading alternative offers several benefits, including a second source of power, with lower risk of impacts including wildfires, smaller footprint, minimizes habitat loss and fragmentation, and could be in service sooner than the other alternatives,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “Moving this project forward is a significant step to strengthen and reinforce the transmission network, ensuring clean, reliable electricity for Westbank First Nation, West Kelowna, Peachland and parts of Summerland.”
Guided by a Memorandum of Understanding, BC Hydro and FortisBC will work together to advance this alternative. The Memorandum of Understanding confirms BC Hydro and FortisBC’s commitments to work together in the next stages of the project and operating principles.
“FortisBC is pleased to work with BC Hydro to help meet the electricity needs of the region,” said Roger Dall’Antonia, President and CEO of FortisBC. “This proposed new transmission line will help to improve the reliability and resiliency of the electricity system for homes and businesses throughout the area.”
BC Hydro continues to work with local First Nations to ensure that potential impacts to Aboriginal rights and title are properly identified and minimized. Collaboration is ongoing on this project with Westbank First Nation, Okanagan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Band, as representatives for the Syilx Okanagan Nation under a relationship agreement.
Now that a new leading alternative has been identified, BC Hydro will work to develop a project schedule in early 2025. BC Hydro will continue consultation and engagement as the project advances and will host community open houses and other activities to discuss the leading alternative in 2025.
To maintain the resiliency of the existing transmission line, BC Hydro completes ongoing maintenance, fire protection work, including applying fire retardants and managing vegetation. The line has performed well including through several fire seasons.
Source: bchydro.com