VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is launching a major expansion of its Clayburn Substation in Abbotsford to meet the growing demand for electricity across the Fraser Valley. This critical infrastructure upgrade will boost the substation’s capacity by 50 per cent, enhance reliability and deliver clean energy to thousands of new homes and businesses in Abbotsford and surrounding communities.
The Clayburn Substation upgrade involves the installation of a new transformer and equipment to connect 10 additional feeders, expanding the substation’s capacity to power up to 35,000 more homes in one of B.C.’s fastest-growing regions. Construction begins at the end of September and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Electricity demand is rising in Abbotsford and Chilliwack due to population growth and increased electrification across residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural sectors. Currently, BC Hydro operates 13 substations in the Fraser Valley Regional District, serving around 120,000 customers. By 2050, the region’s population is expected to exceed 500,000, with key growth areas including the Lickman Corridor, Young Corridor, Mount Lehman, Sumas Corridor and Sumas Mountain.
In addition to expanding the Clayburn Substation, BC Hydro is also making significant investments to extend underground infrastructure and increase distribution capacity across the Fraser Valley as part of its $36 billion capital plan. Other major projects in the region include:
- Mount Lehman Substation Expansion in Abbotsford – will power up to 35,000 more homes by 2029.
- Atchelitz Substation Expansion in Chilliwack – will power up to 14,000 new homes by 2027.
- Fraser Valley Capacitive Reinforcement Project – will reinforce the transmission system in the central Fraser Valley, Surrey, Langley and Abbotsford to provide additional transmission supply capability in anticipation of the expected load growth in the region.
- South Coast Transmission Reinforcement Project – will increase capacity to the transmission system feeding the Lower Mainland, including the Clayburn substation in Abbotsford, to meet the projected load growth driven by increasing population and electrification.
BC Hydro is also investing in improvements in the region at its Wahleach, Ruskin and Stave Falls facilities. These projects include seismic and instrumentation upgrades, turbine and spillways refurbishments, equipment replacement and improvements to public use areas.
Additionally, to help new homes and businesses connect to the grid more quickly and affordably, BC Hydro recently updated its Distribution Extension Policy. Effective July 5, the changes streamline the connection process and reduce costs for developers and homeowners.
Previously, the first customer requesting an extension had to cover the full cost of infrastructure upgrades, even when future users benefited. Under the new policy, costs are shared more equitably, and BC Hydro has increased its contribution to cover a larger portion of extension expenses. As a result, connecting a new single-family home now costs as little as $64, down from over $800, while a 13-unit townhouse project could save approximately $16,000. These changes support the Province and BC Hydro’s broader efforts to accelerate housing development and make new homes more affordable across British Columbia.
BC Hydro is committed to powering the growth of communities across British Columbia. As communities expand and new homes and businesses emerge, it is working to ensure energy remains affordable, sustainable, and accessible for all residents – today and for generations to come.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468