BC Hydro completes upgrade project under budget for largest facility in B.C.
Upgraded GM Shrum units 1 to 5 turbines now in service
VANCOUVER — British Columbia's largest power generation facility has received a major upgrade. BC Hydro has completed a $272 million project, about $100 million under budget, to refurbish five generating units at the GM Shrum generating station (GMS), which was built in the 1960s.
The refurbishments make the units more efficient and allow the facility to generate more power with the same amount of water flowing through.
"GM Shrum generating station is the workhorse of B.C.'s hydroelectric system. This facility alone generates 25 per cent of the total power produced by BC Hydro annually and can generate enough power for more than a million homes each year," said Bill Bennett, Minister of Energy and Mines. "These upgrades will allow BC Hydro to generate power for an additional 16,000 homes."
Construction on the first unit started in the spring of 2012. The units were refurbished as one capital project, back-to-back, and returned to service as they were completed. With construction complete, the final unit went into service in October.
"This project had its own set of challenges that required a staged approach to construction. The facility plays a pivotal role in meeting B.C.'s electricity needs so we needed to ensure the units were in-service and available when our customers needed them – especially during the winter season when electricity use in B.C. reaches its peak," said Chris O'Riley, Deputy CEO, BC Hydro. "This upgrade to our biggest heritage asset has proven to be a very cost-effective project that will deliver benefits for decades to come."
GMS and the WAC Bennett dam are on the Peace River near Hudson's Hope. There are 10 generating units at GMS. From 2009 to 2012, BC Hydro made upgrades to three other units. With the completion of this most recent project, BC Hydro has now made significant upgrades to eight of the facility's 10 units.
"With our population and economy growing, the demand for power in B.C. is going to increase significantly over the coming years," said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South. "The investments BC Hydro is making today in our heritage hydroelectric facilities like GM Shrum will ensure British Columbians will have the electricity they need to power their lives, their homes and businesses."
BC Hydro is the midst of a major capital program that involves investing, on average, $2.4 billion a year, over the next 10 years, in the province's electrical system. The plan includes the construction of new infrastructure and upgrades to existing infrastructure. For example, in addition to refurbishing units at GMS, BC Hydro is also putting in brand new generating units at the Mica generating station, which was built in the 1970s, and replacing the John Hart generating station, which has been operating since 1947.
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