The Government of Canada announced they are providing up to $83.6 million for the Peace Region Electricity Supply project through the Investing in Canada Plan, while BC Hydro is providing the remaining $205.4 million.
The project will see BC Hydro expand the existing transmission infrastructure by building two parallel 230-kilovolt power lines approximately 58 kilometres long between the future Site C Substation near Fort St. John and the existing Groundbirch Substation, located about 30 kilometres east of Chetwynd.
According to the provincial government release, once complete, the project will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 megatonnes per year.
“Transitioning to cleaner electricity is essential to protecting the environment, creating more sustainable communities and building a clean future for our kids and grandkids," said Amarjeet Sohi, federal Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. "This important project will encourage Canadian businesses to transition to renewable energy, boosting the economic growth in the Peace region and promoting a greener way of life for all British Columbians.”
“We know the gas industry is a primary driver for electricity demand in the South Peace region," said Chris O’Riley, president and chief operating officer of BC Hydro. "The PRES project will ensure we can reliably provide electricity to our industrial customers who want to power their facilities with clean energy – significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
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