Vancouver City Centre Transmission Project
Demand for electricity in the Mount Pleasant/South False Creek area of Vancouver is expected to increase by almost 40 per cent over the next 10 years, and by as much as 82 per cent over the next 30 years. The major underground transmission line that currently serves this area is more than 50 years old and needs to be replaced.
The Vancouver City Central Transmission Project is the most significant investment in central Vancouver’s electrical system in almost 30 years. It will increase reliability of the electrical supply throughout Vancouver and meet the growing demand for power in the South False Creek and Mount Pleasant neighbourhoods.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
The VCCT Project includes three main construction components:
- A new above-ground Mount Pleasant Substation at West 6th Avenue and Alberta Street in Vancouver: construction started in October 2010 and will be completed by November 2012.
- Installation of the infrastructure for a new transmission line under city streets to connect two existing substations in Vancouver to the new Mount Pleasant Substation: construction started in January 2011 and will be completed by July/August 2011.
- Drilling and installation of a crossing under the bed of False Creek to connect the north and south sides of the project: construction started in January 2011 and will be completed by June 2011.
The project is anticipated to be in service November 2012.
BENEFITS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Adopting a more efficient electrical transmission system will help conserve energy that would otherwise be lost. Building VCCT will save ratepayers between $9 and $10.5 million over a 30 year period.
- The Mount Pleasant Substation is planned to be the first LEED standard substation in BC Hydro’s system and is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership. The substation will include:
- Energy Star-rated roof material
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Water-efficient landscaping
- Over 15 per cent recycled building content and 20 per cent regional building materials
The new substation was designed to complement the architecture of the surrounding neighbourhood with input from the City of Vancouver, the Urban Design Panel (a professional advisory group) and the public. The substation will also feature the work of a local artist – Alan Storey – to add to its aesthetically pleasing quality.
QUICK FACTS
- The anticipated in-service date is November 2012
- Estimated project cost is $177 - $195 million
- The project will create approximately 216 person-years of employment
- BC Hydro has been consulting with the public for more than two years
- Project information has been sent to more than 27,000 residences and businesses in the project area