By Cheryl Jahn

Province to streamline permitting of major electrical infrastructure

Jan 14, 2025 | 6:58 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Province is taking action to speed up the expansion of British Columbia’s electricity grid by enabling the BC Energy Regulator to act as a one-window regulator for permits necessary to support the North Coast Transmission Line and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects.

“We urgently need to expand our electricity system in the north to meet the needs of growing industries that want to use clean energy to sustain and expand their operations, creating jobs and economic benefits for First Nations and communities,” said Premier David Eby. “The BC Energy Regulator is an experienced organization that has demonstrated expertise at getting projects moving quickly while providing robust regulatory oversight through the lifecycle of projects.”

To ensure that BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line can deliver clean power to regional industry and businesses as fast and efficiently as possible, the Province will make legislative amendments in the spring to enable the BC Energy Regulator to adjudicate permits and authorizations associated with the construction of the NCTL and other major high voltage transmission lines.

The amendments will leverage the BCER’s experience with linear infrastructure and one-window, life-cycle regulation to expedite the permitting, approval and construction of the NCTL in partnership with the Province, BC Hydro, and First Nations.

“If the NCTL is not built, and built quickly, major critical minerals, future port expansions, and LNG, hydrogen and other important resource projects may not proceed,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We need to move this vital project forward to realize B.C.’s resource development potential and create jobs and investment opportunities while achieving provincial climate targets.”

Province to streamline permitting of major electrical infrastructure

5h ago

Cougars

Cougars acquisitions take part in first home practice at CN Centre

7h ago

Senior Housing

New housing development takes big step forward

7h ago

The North Coast of B.C. is seeing significant growth and prospective investment in many areas, including ports, critical mineral exploration and mining, and LNG and hydrogen initiatives, all driving demand for clean electricity.

The area is currently served by one, 500 kilovolt transmission line running from Prince George to Terrace, which does not have the capacity to serve the increasing demand. The NCTL project will construct a new transmission line running about 450 kilometres between Prince George and Terrace.

The project will be comprised of two new transmission line segments and associated towers, as well as upgrades to existing substation and capacitor station infrastructure. BC Hydro is currently working with First Nations to identify leading routes for the new line.

At the same time, BC Hydro and the Province are advancing discussions with First Nations regarding co-ownership of the transmission line. A number of provincial permits will be required throughout the planning, development and construction of the project, including under the Forest Act, the Heritage Conservation Act, the Land Act, the Wildlife Act, and the Water Sustainability Act.