BC Hydro seeks clean power for Fort Nelson area

September 13, 2007

VANCOUVER – BC Hydro is exploring supply options for clean power to meet potential load growth in the Fort Nelson area, the Crown Corporation announced today.

A Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) for clean electricity projects will assess whether any new projects could be developed by the private sector to meet the future needs of customers in the Fort Nelson area.

The results of the RFEOI will help shape a broader resource plan for the region. Currently, Fort Nelson is not connected to the BC Hydro grid, but is connected to the Alberta electrical system via a transmission line.

BC Hydro operates a gas-fired generating station in Fort Nelson. The Fort Nelson area also operates under a supply agreement with the Alberta electric system to provide backup and reliability in supply. However, as the region's economy grows, BC Hydro is assessing options for other secure sources of energy.

According to the new BC Energy Plan, 90 per cent of all electricity generated in the province must continue to come from clean or renewable sources. The plan also calls for B.C. to be electricity self-sufficient by 2016 and makes a commitment that all new electricity generation projects will have zero net greenhouse gas emissions.

To achieve a clean distinction, a power facility would have to meet the province's forthcoming guidelines for clean resources. Examples of clean power may include hydro, wind, solar, geothermal and biomass energy.