New substation in Kamloops to provide clean, reliable electricity for decades to come
KAMLOOPS: BC Hydro's new West Kamloops substation is energized, providing an additional capacity of approximately 100 megawatts to the electrical system, which will help meet future electricity demand in the area.
"We know electricity demand in Kamloops is expected to increase over the next 30 years and the current substations – Douglas and Brocklehurst – are nearing capacity," said Al Leonard, Senior Vice-President, Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery, BC Hydro. "The West Kamloops substation is part of BC Hydro's capital plan that includes investments in our system to meet the growing demand for electricity."
Construction of the $56 million substation began in 2017 and was recently completed. Project work included installing two transformers, a control building, electrical equipment and steel structures to support power lines. In addition, three communication towers were also built to ensure the new substation has reliable communication with the rest of BC Hydro's system.
"We've been working closely with BC Hydro to ensure the electrical needs of the region are met," said Mayor Ken Christian, City of Kamloops. "The City of Kamloops and the local First Nations will be benefitting from this project through a number of economic opportunities for years to come."
About 200 jobs were created over the two years of construction. Several Kamloops-area companies were involved in building the new substation, including:
- Brentwood Enterprises Ltd.
- Painted Rock Aggregates & Contracting LLP
- B A Dawson Blacktop Ltd.
- Casadio and Sons Concrete
- Wood E&I
- Triton Environmental Consultants
- Twin Valley Contracting
"A Benefits Agreement was mutually established between Tke'mlups te Secwepemc and Skeetchestn (SSN), and BC Hydro. Establishing a relationship addressed our shared interests that was impacted by the substation project," said Chief Rosanne Casimir, SSN. "All of us coming to agreement on how to advance a project together is why we are here today to celebrate the success of its completion with BC Hydro and concur that there will be ongoing collaboration. We created a successful relationship and opened the door for all other future Benefit Agreements by project with BC Hydro."
The population in Kamloops is expected to grow to 120,000 residents by 2036 – up from 90,000 residents in 2016. This growth is projected to be in the southwest region of Kamloops in neighbourhoods such as Aberdeen, Mt. Dufferin and Sahali where the new substation is located.
BC Hydro has invested about $75 million in the Kamloops area over the last five years to upgrade the region's aging electrical assets and build new infrastructure. In the next five years, BC Hydro is investing about $10 million to ensure it continues to provide a safe and reliable supply of power to the growing community.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
604 928 6468