B.C. Hydro is taking a preliminary look at the possibility of building another large hydroelectric project on the Peace River as the province prepares for growing electricity demand.
Representatives from the Crown corporation presented its Powering Growth Plan during a Peace River Regional District board meeting, outlining projections that electricity demand in B.C. could increase by 50 per cent by 2050, while peak demand could rise by 45 per cent.
Julia Balabanowitz, B.C. Hydro’s director of government relations, said the province could face a supply gap within the next few years if additional generation and conservation measures aren’t pursued.
“What’s important to note about what we’re predicting about electricity demand increase is that we are going to have a supply gap in British Columbia as early as 2029,” Balabanowitz said.
“So if we don’t add anything or do anything, by 2029 we would have some shortfalls.”
B.C. Hydro’s strategy includes conservation, making better use of existing infrastructure and examining options for new generation.
As part of that work, the utility has begun early desktop studies of two large hydroelectric projects that were identified decades ago: Site E on the Peace River and the Homathco project near Bute Inlet.
The preliminary concept for Site E calls for a 750-megawatt facility capable of producing about 3,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually.
The proposed site is about 60 kilometres downstream from the existing Site C dam. Its reservoir would cover approximately 7,900 hectares, or about 15 per cent less area than the Site C reservoir.
Peter Finnegan, B.C. Hydro’s director of Site C engineering, said the first year of work will be limited to desktop research.
That includes reviewing historical reports, using high-resolution satellite imagery, assessing potential geohazards and developing preliminary engineering layouts.
However, B.C. Hydro’s ability to advance the projects is currently limited by provincial legislation.
Both Site E and Homathco are listed as prohibited projects under the Clean Energy Act. While B.C. Hydro can conduct preliminary desktop studies, changes to provincial legislation would be needed before field investigations or more advanced environmental work could begin.
“The government is considering enabling those permits to be given,” Balabanowitz said, adding that any legislative changes would only allow field investigations and would not authorize construction.
The possibility of further investigations raised concerns among regional leaders about potential impacts on communities, agricultural land, property owners and water supplies.
PRRD chair Brad Sperling said the potential effects on low-lying communities along the Peace River need to be considered from the beginning.
“My number one concern is obviously the residents in the Old Fort and how that’s going to be dealt with, but also any residents that may be along the South Taylor flats,” Sperling said, pointing to historical property acquisitions in floodplains like Peace Island Park and Blackfoot Park.
“Those all are very important to us, and I think they have to be addressed right from the very start.”
Sperling also questioned how a potential future project could affect regional water security.
Communities including Fort St. John and Taylor draw water from wells located below the river, while Dawson Creek continues to look for long-term water sources.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen said municipal interests, water supplies and infrastructure would need to remain a priority if the project advances.
“We definitely need to ensure our municipal interests, water security, and local roads are protected if any project of this size is ever moved forward,” Hansen said.
Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach also called for continued communication with residents throughout the investigation.
“Early and honest engagement with our local communities is critical,” Veach said.
“Our residents need to know exactly what is being considered and how it could affect our region long before major decisions are made.”
B.C. Hydro representatives stressed that the current work does not mean a decision has been made to build Site E.
Any move beyond the initial research would involve several decision points, along with Indigenous consultation and further community engagement.
For now, the utility’s work remains focused on determining whether the proposed projects are worth investigating further as B.C.’s electricity needs continue to grow.
