BC Hydro will construct more than $1.25 billion in capital projects throughout Burnaby over the next decade to upgrade and expand the electricity grid, and provide clean power for homes and businesses in growing communities.
“In growing cities like Burnaby, where we are seeing significant housing, building, transportation and industrial growth, we are embarking on significant upgrades to our electricity system, including investments in new and expanded substation projects as well as voltage conversion projects to ensure we can continue to provide reliable and clean electricity to our customers,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro.
Earlier this year, the province announced BC Hydro’s updated 10-year capital plan, which contains $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments throughout B.C., which is a 50 per cent increase in investments over its previous capital plan.
These new construction projects are forecast to support 10,500 to 12,500 jobs on average annually, and will increase and maintain BC Hydro’s capital investments as major projects such as the Site C hydoelectric dam are completed.
The plan reflects growing demand for electricity across sectors due to population growth and housing construction, increased industrial development, and people and businesses switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity, among other factors.
BC Hydro is investing in several projects as part of its 10-year capital plan, including:
- Horne Payne substation expansion: will power an additional 10,000 to 17,500 homes, expected completion in 2027.
- Newell substation expansion: will power an additional 10,000 to 17,500 homes, expected completion in 2027.
- Lougheed substation expansion: will power an additional 20,000 to 35,000 homes, expected completion in 2029.
- Barnard substation expansion: will power an additional 18,000 to 30,000 homes, expected completion 2029.
- New substation to serve Metrotown area: will power an additional 40,000 to 70,000 homes, expected completion 2033.
- Voltage conversion projects in Metrotown and Barnard.
