Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is Site C? If built, the project would provide a reliable, clean and renewable source of electricity for more than 100 years. It would supply in the range of 900 MW of reliable, dependable electricity, providing about 8% of B.C.'s existing electricity demands. The project would produce approximately 4,600 GWh a year, enough to power about 460,000 homes. As the third dam on the Peace River, Site C would gain significant efficiencies by taking advantage of water already stored in the Williston Reservoir and would be able to produce 30% of electricity produced at the W.A.C. Bennett Dam with 5% of the reservoir size. 2. Why are new energy sources needed?
As impressive as our hydroelectric assets are, they will not be enough to provide future generations of British Columbians with the energy security they will require if demand continues to grow as projected. For much of the last decade, we have been a net importer of electricity, depending on other jurisdictions to supply between 10 and 15% of our electricity needs. The BC Energy Plan aims to make our province energy self-sufficient by 2016. By planning now, BC Hydro is working so that British Columbians will continue to enjoy the benefits of a secure, reliable and affordable electricity supply. However, even with all these measures, we still need additional sources of power in B.C. to help close the growing electricity gap. Intermittent, clean sources of energy, such as wind and small hydro will need to be employed, combined with large power projects that can provide a large, dependable supply of electricity 365 days a year will be required. 3. What other options are being considered? BC Hydro is committed to investigating large-scale alternatives that can fulfill the Energy Plan's goal of providing clean energy to British Columbians. Large potential projects in B.C. that could be considered to provide a dependable supply of electricity in the future include large hydroelectric projects, large biomass facilities, clean coal facilities or natural gas plants. 4. When would a decision be made on whether to build Site C? BC Hydro is now in Stage 2, of a five stage process for Site C. At the end of each stage, the province will re-evaluate Site C, as compared to other options, and decide whether or not to proceed. Stage 2 is expected to take two years and involves comprehensive consultation with communities, First Nations and stakeholders, as well as further updating and analysis of design, economic, social and environmental elements of the project. 5. What are the potential impacts and benefits of Site C? The potential benefits of Site C are that it provides a clean and renewable source of electricity for more than 100 years and minimal greenhouse gas emissions once operational. Site C would be able to provide electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, complementing the development of intermittent energy sources such as wind and small hydro. As the third dam on one river system, Site C takes advantage of the water already stored at the existing facilities upstream. Development of Site C would create a reservoir, flooding portions of the Peace River valley between the Peace Canyon and the confluence of the Peace and Moberly rivers, as well as portions of the Moberly and Halfway Rivers. Site C's effects on the environment include flooding and water flow impacts on fish, wildlife and agricultural land, local air impacts and construction impacts. Impacts on traditional lands of First Nations would be reviewed, as well as social impacts on the community including those directly affected by flooding of land, highway relocations and new transmission. Construction of Site C would also require a large number of workers for the construction phase, resulting in demand for housing and services, as well resulting noise, traffic, temporary construction facilities and access roads. Should the provincial government decide to continue pursuing Site C, it will be subject to provincial and federal regulatory review including comprehensive environmental assessment and permitting processes. During Stage 2 consultation, BC Hydro will look at ways to avoid, mitigate or compensate for these and other project impacts. 6. How are the plans for Site C today any different than previous plans for the project? Today's approach to Site C will consider environmental concerns, impacts to land and opportunities for community benefits, and will update design, financial and technical work. Updates to the project may include operating changes, design changes or compensation projects to minimize potential impacts to fish and wildlife. In addition, it could include opportunities to provide social benefits such as enhancing recreational uses of the proposed reservoir. Further, BC Hydro will be seeking feedback to identify opportunities to benefit First Nations, residents and communities directly affected by the Site C project, should it proceed. 7. How much would it cost to build Site C? As a decision on whether to build Site C is still a few years away, any project cost estimates right now are only interim. This estimate will be updated at each stage and will change as the project becomes more fully defined. 8. What is the consultation process? Project Definition Consultation, Round 1 [PDF, 3.4 Mb] ran from May 1 through June 30 and Round 2 [PDF, 4.9 Mb] of Project Definition Consultation ran from October 1 to December 3, 2008 (extended due to a November 30 internet access issue). Consultation will occur in all stages of project development, should it proceed beyond Stage 2. 9. How can I get more information? 10. What happens at the end of Stage 2? |
Last Modified: Sep 25, 2009