Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project
This emergency project is necessary to replace an existing underground, oil-insulated transmission cable that is at the end of its serviceable life.
What's new
Thank you for those who attended our Virtual Open House session on February 29, 2024.
If you were unable to attend, here is a copy of the Virtual Open House presentation [PDF, 4.0 MB].
Replacing a direct-buried, oil-filled cable with an oil-free cable that is constructed in a duct bank.
The existing underground cable will be decommissioned once the new cable is energized.
It is one of four underground transmission cables critical to the electricity supply for Greater Victoria and was installed in 1980.
Widespread cable corrosion was discovered during recent repairs, increasing the risk of failure.
The project will install the latest technology in transmission cables to ensure safe and reliable electricity for decades.
The Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project is located along an existing right-of-way, approximately 2.7 kilometres in length, that runs between Horsey Substation near downtown Victoria and Esquimalt Substation in Esquimalt. The route includes a 0.4 kilometre submarine crossing along the bottom of the Gorge Waterway between Victoria and Esquimalt. The project is at an early stage of design and some routing variations may occur.
Victoria to Esquimalt cable replacement project map
Select the project map [PDF, 3.3 MB] to view it at a larger size.
| Project Launch | Winter 2023 |
| Engineering and environmental studies | Fall 2023 to summer 2024 |
| Civil and cable design | Fall 2023 to spring 2025 |
| Construction start | Spring 2025 |
| Cable in-service | Fall 2026 |
Reports and documents
- Project letter #2 to residents around the Gorge Waterway (September 10, 2024) [PDF, 519 KB]
- Project letter to residents around the Gorge Waterway (June 21, 2024) [PDF, 248 KB]
- Victoria to Esquimalt Cable Replacement Project Virtual Open House #1 presentation (February 29, 2024) [PDF, 4.0 MB]
- Victoria to Esquimalt cable replacement project map [PDF, 3.3 MB]
Contact us
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact us at:
Email: projects@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 623 4472
Toll free: 1 866 647 3334