BC Hydro awards construction contract for Interior to Lower Mainland Transmission Line
Project will ensure reliable power supply to growing economy, population of Lower Mainland
Vancouver – BC Hydro reached a major milestone today with the announcement that Flatiron-Graham will design and build the transmission line component of the Interior to Lower Mainland (ILM) Project. During its three years of construction, the ILM Project will create economic opportunities for local vendors and suppliers and generate about 540 person-years of employment.
The ILM Project will expand the capacity of the transmission system that brings power from where it’s generated in the north and southern Interior of the province to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
BC Hydro’s current transmission system was built in the mid-1970s and needs to be upgraded to meet future demands for power – particularly during the winter months when electricity use peaks. Once complete, the ILM Project will help ensure the growing economy and population of the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island – currently totalling 1.4 million customers – continues to receive clean, reliable power.
Flatiron-Graham, a Joint Venture, will be responsible for the design, materials procurement and overall construction of the 250-kilometre transmission line. BC Hydro selected the team after evaluating three pre-qualified teams of contractors that submitted proposals to design and build the new transmission line.
Flatiron’s Canadian division office is located in Richmond. Graham is a Canadian company with an office located in Delta.
Quotes
Hon. Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines:
“The ILM Project is the largest expansion to B.C.'s transmission system in more than 20 years. This project will generate significant regional employment as well as ensure a reliable supply of electricity to attract new investment to the province – benefiting B.C. families and businesses.”
Greg Reimer, Executive Vice President, Transmission & Distribution, BC Hydro:
“Over the next 20 years, the population of the Lower Mainland is expected to grow to 3.4 million people while the demand for electricity in B.C. is expected to grow by as much as 40 per cent – the majority of it in the Lower Mainland. While the transmission system that brings energy to the Lower Mainland continues to operate reliably today, it is nearing capacity and needs to be upgraded so that communities in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island continue to have the power they rely on.”
Blair Brandon – Flatiron Canada, Flatiron Graham, a Joint Venture:
"The Flatiron – Graham Team is proud to commence another major infrastructure project in Western Canada. Our past experience building major capital projects in the region and our commitment to work with local First Nations and businesses from Merritt to Coquitlam will benefit all. We are confident working together with BC Hydro will maximize the ILM Project’s success and ensure the project is on time and within budget.”
Facts:
- The ILM Project will include construction of a new 500-kilovolt transmission line between the Nicola substation near Merritt and the Meridian Substation in Coquitlam, a distance of approximately 250 kilometres, a new series capacitor station at Ruby Creek, and associated improvements at the Nicola and Meridian Substations.
- The project is likely to provide opportunities for local vendors and suppliers for goods and services during construction such as right-of-way clearing and access road development, truck drivers and equipment operators, flag people, right-of-way restoration, accommodation and meals.
- By ensuring the most efficient transfer of electricity, the ILM Project will reduce the amount of energy that otherwise would be lost on the transmission system – enough energy to supply about 80,000 homes per year.
- The estimated project cost of the Interior to Lower Mainland Project is $709 million. The planned in-service date is January 2015.
- For more information on the ILM Project, please visit BC Hydro's on line media centre at http://www.bchydro.com/.
About BC Hydro
Fifty years ago, British Columbians turned to BC Hydro to build the clean electricity system they count on to power B.C.'s economy, create jobs in every region, and keep the lights on. Now, BC Hydro is building again for the next 50 years. B.C. continues to grow and so has the need for more electricity. That’s why BC Hydro is building and renewing electricity infrastructure, and encouraging conservation to meet today’s needs and those of future generations. In 2011, BC Hydro is celebrating 50 years of providing power for British Columbians, and inviting them to help prepare for the next 50 years.
About Flatiron Graham, a Joint Venture
The team of Flatiron-Graham is comprised of two firms that are highly qualified to complete the design and construction of the Interior to Lower Mainland transmission line. This winning team is founded on the prior relationships established on major infrastructure projects such as: the $408 million Northeast Stoney Trail (Calgary Ring Road); the $995 million Northwest Anthony Henday Drive (Edmonton Ring Road); and the $125 million Kicking Horse Canyon – Phase II Projects.
As a Joint Venture, Flatiron and Graham will act as a single organization to achieve maximum team efficiency, established communication strategies, and integrated solutions at all stages of the project to deliver overall savings and value to BC Hydro.
Visit BC Hydro’s web site at www.bchydro.com or follow us on twitter: @bchydro
For more information, contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Direct: 604 928 6468
Web: www.bchydro.com/media