- What is Site C?
- Where is Site C located?
- Why does BC Hydro want to build Site C?
- What are the benefits of Site C?
- How big will the Site C reservoir be?
- How much will it cost to build Site C?
- What is the impact on rates from the Site C project?
- What is the current status of the project?
- Will there be more consultation on Site C?
- What did the Government Review of BC Hydro say about Site C?
- How can I find out about business and job opportunities with Site C?
- How can I get more information?
1. What is Site C?
Site C is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. Site C would provide enough electricity to power the equivalent of 450,000 homes per year in B.C. Site C would be a source of clean and renewable electricity for more than 100 years. Top of page 2. Where is Site C located? What is the longitude and latitude?
The proposed Site C project is located in northeast British Columbia, seven kilometres southwest of Fort St. John. The coordinates are: 56N, 12', 4.59" Latitude, 120W, 54', 21.76" Longitude. Top of page 3. Why does BC Hydro want to build Site C?
Site C is being proposed as part of BC Hydro's overall regeneration program to invest in and renew the province's electricity system. B.C. is growing and so is our demand for electricity. BC Hydro forecasts that the province's electricity needs will grow by up to 40 per cent over the next 20 years, as our economy expands and our population increases. As extensive as BC Hydro's hydroelectric assets are, they will not be enough to meet B.C.'s future electricity needs if demand continues to grow as projected. With Site C, BC Hydro is planning now so that British Columbians will continue to enjoy the benefits of clean, reliable and cost-effective electricity in the future. Top of page 4. What are the benefits of Site C?
The proposed Site C project has the following attributes: - Site C would help meet future electricity needs by providing enough energy to power the equivalent of 450,000 homes per year in B.C.
- It would be a source of clean and renewable electricity for more than 100 years.
- Site C would produce among the lowest levels of greenhouse gas emissions, per gigawatt hour, compared to other electricity generation options.
- The project would facilitate the development of clean and renewable energy sources by providing a reliable back up to intermittent resources, such as wind.
- Site C would generate approximately 35 per cent of the energy produced at the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, with five per cent of the reservoir area.
- Site C would create approximately 7,000 person-years of direct construction employment during the seven-year construction period, and up to 35,000 direct and indirect jobs during the development and construction phases.
Top of page 5. How big will the Site C reservoir be?
The Site C reservoir would be approximately 83 km long and would be, on average, two to three times the width of the current river. It would flood approximately 5,340 hectares of land and would have a total surface area of 9,310 hectares. The proposed Site C reservoir would be one of the most stable in the BC Hydro system with relatively little fluctuation in water levels during typical operations. The proposed maximum normal operating range for the Site C reservoir would be 1.8 metres. However, during typical operations it would be expected to fluctuate within 0.9 metres. Top of page 6. How much will it cost to build Site C?
Large hydro projects like Site C are cost-effective because after an upfront capital cost, they have low operating costs and a long life of more than 100 years. Site C would have an estimated capital cost of $7.9 billion, with the cost per megawatt hour ranging from $87 to $95. This would make Site C among the most cost-effective resource options to help meet B.C.'s future electricity needs. Top of page 7. What is the impact on rates from the Site C project?
Site C has a lower cost per megawatt hour than most other electricity generation options, which would help BC Hydro maintain competitive electricity rates in the future. BC Hydro rates are not affected by projects in development, as these costs are deferred until the project begins producing electricity for customers. It is expected that Site C costs would be amortized over a number of decades to mitigate the rate impacts on customers. The amortization period and rate impacts would be determined through a future regulatory process with the British Columbia Utilities Commission. Top of page 8. What is the current status of the project?
The Site C project is in the early stages of a rigorous and independent environmental assessment process. To learn more about the process and how to get involved, visit the CEA Agency website or the BC EAO website. Top of page 9. Will there be more consultation on Site C?
Yes. Consultation is a key component of the Site C project. During the environmental assessment, there will be multiple opportunities for consultation and input by the public, communities, Aboriginal groups and stakeholders. In addition, BC Hydro is currently consulting and engaging with Aboriginal groups, property owners and local governments. Community consultation offices continue to operate in Fort St. John and Hudson's Hope. Top of page 10. What did the Government Review of BC Hydro say about Site C?
The Government Review of BC Hydro assessed Site C and stated that: - There is justification for the Site C dam and hydroelectric generating station based on the projected demand and it appears to be a clean, affordable option.
- Site C is seen as cost effective, as the cost of energy, at $87-95 per MWh, compares favourably with other benchmarks for clean energy.
- Site C is a reasonable cost alternative to meet load growth.
- The new energy supply would be unaffected by market fluctuations that impact the cost of natural gas and carbon generated power so Site C unit costs should not result in spikes in price.
Top of page 11. How can I find out about business and job opportunities with Site C?
Businesses interested in opportunities with the Site C Clean Energy Project are encouraged to register with the Site C Clean Energy Project Business Directory. In fall 2011, the project hosted business information sessions that provided the B.C. business community with an update on the status of the project. The presentation and final report are located on Business and Job Opportunities. For more information on the business directory, please contact us or visit a Community Consultation Office. Current job opportunities are posted online in the BC Hydro Careers section. Top of page 12. How can I get more information?
Please contact us or sign-up for email updates. Top of page
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