Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel Power Line Replacement Project

There are 138 kV and 230 kV power lines that deliver electricity to substations serving about 10,000 customers within the City of Powell River and surrounding area, including Cortes Island and Texada Island.

We're replacing the 138 kV power line and aviation marker balls that cross Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel because the power line is at a high risk of failure due to its age and ocean spray corrosion.

We plan to replace the 230 kV power lines and the aviation marker balls at the two marine crossings at a later date.

The 138 kV power line marine crossings will be upgraded to 230 kV standards by fall 2026.

We've been consulting with shíshálh Nation and engaging with key stakeholders about the project.

This project will maintain public safety for the marine area below the power lines and electricity reliability to Powell River and surrounding areas.

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 community 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.

Planned power outage

For system reliability and worker safety, we require a 12-hour planned power outage to Powell River and the surrounding areas, including Cortes Island and Texada Island. The planned outage will take place on September 14, 2025 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. We've coordinated project work and system maintenance to take place during this one planned outage to limit the community impact.

Planned marine closures at Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel

During the power line removal and replacement, the marine area below the power lines will be closed for worker and public safety. At all times there will be a marine route available around Nelson Island to access the wider Jervis Inlet.

We've been working with BC Ferries since spring 2024 to discuss the impacts to their service. To ensure communities remain connected and essential service is maintained, BC Ferries is currently planning an alternate schedule and route options, including options to sail around Nelson Island during the Jervis Inlet closure. BC Ferries will post schedules on their website and update communities through a service notice.

We’re also informing the many marinas, boat clubs, and other marine organizations of the marine closure area and timing.

At Jervis Inlet, to remove the 138 kV lines, the dates for the marine closure are from October 1 to 9, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. We also have a marine closure contingency from October 14 to 16, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, should we be unable to complete the power line removal work over the nine-day period.

There will be a marine closure at Jervis Inlet in the fall of 2026 to install the new power lines.

At Agamemnon Channel, the work to remove and replace the 138 kV lines is planned for spring 2026 and may require about 18 days of marine closures, about 10 hours per day.

Sunshine Coast Trail

We're working with the Sunshine Coast Trail Board on what trail closures will be required for this project and how they'll be communicated.

A tentative schedule is provided below, but this is subject to change as we confirm project plans.