BC Hydro is assessing the need for new transmission infrastructure to bring clean, reliable, low-cost electricity to the North Coast of B.C. This non-binding Expression of Interest (EOI) process invites current and potential industrial customers to indicate their interest in electrifying operations in the North Coast region. The EOI process enables BC Hydro to determine overall industry electrification interest, needs, and locations to inform infrastructure planning.
The formal EOI process closed on April 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time. BC Hydro received 29 submissions from diverse industrial sectors including mining, ports, hydrogen, liquified natural gas, and others, with the mining sector accounting for the largest number of submissions and the hydrogen sector representing the largest proposed future demand. The results provided strong support for proposed new 500 kilovolt transmission infrastructure from Prince George to Terrace.
Participation requirements include: being a current or potential transmission-service load customer (service greater than 35 kV), seeking to connect west of Williston Substation in Prince George, and not being in the transmission load interconnection queue as of February 15, 2023 (or being in the queue but requiring proposed new infrastructure). Participants must register, review the EOI document, complete the fillable Expression of Interest form, and submit a Letter of Interest (Appendix B) by the closing date.
Key dates include: February 15, 2023 (EOI opened), April 11, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (EOI closed), and May 31, 2023 (submission review and follow-up complete). BC Hydro continues advancing planning of the proposed infrastructure in partnership with First Nations, with ongoing engagement and route option identification anticipated throughout 2024 and beyond. The project is expected to take approximately 8-10 years to complete. Additional infrastructure beyond Terrace may be required depending on customer project locations and demand.