What is Site C

Site C artist rendering
Artist rendering of the proposed Site C Clean Energy Project

The Site C Clean Energy Project (Site C) is a proposed third dam and hydroelectric generating station on the Peace River in northeast B.C. It is part of BC Hydro's overall program to invest in and renew the province's electricity system.

Subject to approvals, Site C would be a source of clean and renewable electricity for over 100 years. Site C would provide up to 1,100 megawatts of capacity, and produce about 5,100 gigawatt hours of electricity each year – enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 homes per year in B.C.

As the third project on one river system, Site C would gain significant efficiencies by taking advantage of water already stored in the Williston Reservoir. This means that Site C would generate approximately 35 per cent of the energy produced at W.A.C. Bennett Dam, with only five per cent of the reservoir area.

Site C would be a publicly owned facility, providing a new heritage asset for the benefit of all British Columbians.

Read the report

BC Hydro has filed the Site C Project Description Report [PDF, 6.9 Mb] with both the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office to initiate the environmental assessment and review process for the Project.

Did you know?

Key design upgrades have resulted in improved foundation stability, greater seismic protection, enhanced spillway safety, and additional generating capacity.

Last Modified: Feb 10, 2012