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Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project

Crews construct the new bypass line at Saltery Bay.
Crews construct the new bypass line at Saltery Bay.

As part of an emergent capital project, we're upgrading the transmission system that serves approximately 14,000 customers in Powell River and surrounding communities. These upgrades will improve public safety and enhance long term electricity reliability.

What we're doing

There are 138 kV and 230 kV power lines that deliver electricity to substations serving about 14,000 customers within the City of Powell River and surrounding communities, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.

We are replacing the aging 138 kV power line that crosses Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel. The Jervis Inlet crossing was removed in October 2025, and the Agamemnon Channel crossing was removed in April 2026. Both crossings will be replaced in spring 2027.

Both crossings will be rebuilt to 230 kV standards to increase system capacity and support future growth.

We'e also completing extensive transmission system upgrades, which will strengthen the system and improve operational flexibility.

Consultation and engagement

We continue to consult with shíshálh Nation and engage with stakeholders about the project.

Construction crews at work on Nelson Island.
Construction crews at work on Nelson Island.

Why we're doing it

This project will maintain public safety for the marine area below the power lines, enhance visibility of the lines for air traffic, and ensure electricity reliability for our customers in Powell River and the surrounding communities.

Communities affected

Powell River at night.
Powell River at night.

The Jervis Inlet crossing is located about 2.5 kilometres east of Saltery Bay and crosses to the north side of Nelson Island. The Agamemnon Channel crossing is located about 1.5 kilometres southwest of Earls Cove and crosses to the south side of Nelson Island. The project work will impact the wider communities beyond these areas through planned power outages, marine closures under the power lines during power line construction, and temporary closures to parts of the Sunshine Coast Trail.

Get in touch

If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact:

Nubia Budau
Phone: 604 916 8903
Email: nubia.budau@bchydro.com
 

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BC Hydro is collecting your personal information (specifically, name, and email), for the purposes of the Jervis Inlet & Agamemnon Channel power line replacement project and will be used to contact you in the future about project updates, correspondence and project related notifications. This is done in accordance with BC Hydro's obligations under the Utilities Commission Act and under the Authority of the Hydro and Power Authority Act. Data may be stored outside of Canada. If you have specific questions about the project or privacy concerns, please contact projects@bchydro.com.
 

Photo gallery

The towers at Jervis Inlet North prior to the removal work.
The towers at Jervis Inlet North prior to the removal work.
The power lines across Jervis Inlet from Nelson Island.
The power lines across Jervis Inlet from Nelson Island.
The first conductor severed using controlled detonation.
The first conductor severed using controlled detonation.
The last remaining conductor next to the parallel 230 kV power line. The 230 kV line will continue to supply power to Powell River and surrounding areas.
The last remaining conductor next to the parallel 230 kV power line. The 230 kV line will continue to supply power to Powell River and surrounding areas.
Detonation specialists work with a BC Hydro power line technician to secure the detonation device on the conductor.
Detonation specialists work with a BC Hydro power line technician to secure the detonation device on the conductor.
Detonation specialists work with a BC Hydro power line technician to secure the detonation device on the third and final conductor.
Detonation specialists work with a BC Hydro power line technician to secure the detonation device on the third and final conductor.
The towers at Jervis Inlet North following the removal of the power line.
The towers at Jervis Inlet North following the removal of the power line.
Jervis Inlet, barge and cable drop.
Jervis Inlet, barge and cable drop.
The conductors were retrieved using a barge with a cable reel.
The conductors were retrieved using a barge with a cable reel.
The barge and safety vessels in Jervis Inlet during the retrieval of the conductor.
The barge and safety vessels in Jervis Inlet during the retrieval of the conductor.
Sunrise over Jervis Inlet.
Sunrise over Jervis Inlet.
Crews prepare the towers at the Nelson Island side of the line.
Crews prepare the towers at the Nelson Island side of the line.
The last conductor as seen from behind the tower on Nelson Island.
The last conductor as seen from behind the tower on Nelson Island.
Biologists were on site to ensure that the humpback whales and other marine mammals were not below the lines prior to removal.
Biologists were on site to ensure that the humpback whales and other marine mammals were not below the lines prior to removal.
Humpback whales visited our crews daily.
Humpback whales visited our crews daily.
Jervis Inlet power line crossing removal (October 2025)