South Wellington Substation
New substation to help meet electricity demand
Our load forecasts have determined that the substations in the south Nanaimo area are expected to exceed capacity within the next few years.
Long-term access to safe, reliable and fairly priced electricity is critical for our economy and our quality of life. To ensure reliable electricity for our customers in south Nanaimo, BC Hydro needs to build South Wellington Substation.
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Project backgroundThe South Wellington Substation Project will help to meet growing electricity needs in the south Nanaimo area. Our load forecasts have determined that Harewood and Ladysmith substations are expected to exceed capacity within the next few years. The South Wellington Substation will be built to provide additional capacity, delivering reliable power to the growing region well into the future. What's being doneThe new South Wellington Substation, in addition to the existing Harewood and Ladysmith substations, will increase the capability and flexibility of our facilities in the area and accommodate future demand for electricity. The South Wellington Substation Project includes:
An Environmental Management Plan (EMP) will be completed for the project and environmental monitors will be onsite monitoring construction activities during critical periods, ensuring compliance with the EMP. Substation locationThe South Wellington Substation will be located to the north of Nanaimo River Road, between the existing 138 kilovolt transmission line and the gravel pits. The distribution lines will be installed underground leading from the substation along Nanaimo River Road to the Inland Island Highway (Highway 1). The South Wellington Substation site was chosen for its close proximity to existing distribution and transmission lines, its flat and stable foundation, and location to future load growth. The substation site is zoned resource, is surrounded by active gravel mining operations, and has been previously set aside as a gravel reserve. The site offers limited visual impact as the existing tree buffer (15 m to 30 m wide) will be retained on the southern boundary of the property facing Nanaimo River Road. The west side of the substation will be screened (fenced) once construction is complete. We are confident that the site selected will have a low impact on the environment and the community, including First Nations. Stakeholder engagementBC Hydro continues to provide project updates to keep area residents, businesses and local government informed of the project status and upcoming activities. As well, we have spoken to a few interested residents which gave us the opportunity to share information, answer questions and learn more about community interests. A project update was distributed to Nanaimo area residents in January 2012. See Project Update Letter [PDF, 146 KB] for more information. The project team continues to provide updates and briefings to the Regional District of Nanaimo. Initial project notification was sent to Nanaimo area residents in September 2010. See Residential Notification Letter [PDF, 137 KB] for more information. Construction schedule (proposed)
South Wellington area map
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CostThe preliminary estimate of the substation cost is approximately $30 million. CompletionPlanned in service date is October 2013. What's being doneConstruction of a new substation and underground distribution lines. BenefitsThe Wellington Substation Project will help to meet the growing electricity needs in the south Nanaimo area. |
Last Modified: Feb 28, 2012
