VANCOUVER: BC Hydro is launching a major upgrade of its Mount Pleasant Substation to support Vancouver’s growing electricity needs, driven by new housing, businesses and increased electrification across the Broadway corridor and surrounding neighbourhoods. Once complete, the project will allow the substation to serve up to 50,000 additional customers.
“Investing in modern, resilient electrical infrastructure reflects our government’s long term plan to build the clean energy systems that will power B.C.’s future and a thriving economy,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “As neighbourhoods along the Broadway Corridor continue to grow — including new housing and major projects like the Broadway Subway project — upgrades like this ensure that new homes, businesses, and transit infrastructure have the clean, reliable power they need for sustainable, long term development.”
To increase Mount Pleasant Substation’s capacity, BC Hydro will install a new, third transformer in an empty bay that was intentionally built for future use during the substation’s construction in 2014. This upgrade also includes the addition of other equipment to support long term reliability.
“This upgrade is about building the capacity we know the city will need,” said Christine Boyle, MLA for Vancouver-Little Mountain. “It’s a proactive investment that strengthens reliability and supports Vancouver’s long term development, ensuring the power system grows along with the city.”
Substations play a critical role in the electricity system, converting high voltage transmission power into lower voltage electricity that can be safely delivered to homes and businesses. Most construction will occur inside the existing substation, minimizing disruption to the neighbourhood. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2029.
“Projects like the Mount Pleasant Substation upgrade are the result of years of planning. When we constructed the substation in 2014, we designed our infrastructure with room to grow,” said Charlotte Mitha, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “Now we’re using that space to install additional equipment and increase capacity, ensuring the electricity system can support the homes, businesses and clean energy technologies that will shape Vancouver in the decades ahead.”
The $90 million upgrade is part of BC Hydro’s broader investment in system improvements across the province to support population growth, economic development and the transition to clean energy. By steadily increasing capacity, BC Hydro is ensuring communities across the province have the power they need for decades to come. For more information on the Mount Pleasant Substation upgrade project, visit bchydro.com/MTP.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468