B.C. launches hydroelectric upgrades aimed at boosting power supply by 7%

The British Columbia government has announced a series of upgrades to its hydroelectric system that it says will increase the province's electricity supply by about seven per cent.

Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the largest project will involve adding a sixth generating unit at the Revelstoke Dam, increasing capacity by approximately 500 megawatts by 2032. According to the provincial announcement, the first four generating units at the Revelstoke generating station will also undergo modernization work.

The government said upgrades are also planned at six other generating stations and at the W.A.C. Bennett Dam as part of a broader effort to increase generation from existing infrastructure. Dix said expanding and modernizing current facilities is the most cost-effective way to add electricity to the provincial grid.

According to the government, work at Revelstoke is expected to generate about $60 million in local economic activity and support up to 180 jobs during construction. The province has not released cost estimates for the projects.

The announcement follows the government's recent statement that it is examining the potential construction of two additional hydroelectric projects, including a proposed development at Bute Inlet and a possible Site E dam on the Peace River. Dix said further details, including project costs, will be released as planning advances.