The transmission system is BC's electricity highway.
It's the backbone of our growing economy - powering virtually every home and business in the province.
With the future in mind, BC Hydro will continue to invest in improvement and reinforcements to extend the life and enhance the capacity of the transmission system. Currently, the majority of BC's transmission system is between 40 and 50 years old. BC Hydro is working to make the system more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sound. New transmission lines and other system reinforcements mean reliable, cost-effective energy for communities across BC.
The State of the Transmission System Report (STSR) (PDF, 2MB) provides a "big picture" view of the current state of the transmission system and the issues BC Hydro is addressing by the programs and projects proposed in the Transmission System Capital Plan and filed with our regulator, the British Columbia Utilities Commission .
The STSR and the Transmission System Capital Plan highlight emerging capacity and maintenance challenges and identify some potential solutions. These solutions range from replacing defective equipment to enhancing the system to increase efficiency, reliability or capacity.
Deciding on the Best Solution
Once BC Hydro identifies some potential transmission solutions, we work to ensure First Nations, potential stakeholders and all interested parties are provided with opportunities to hear about the proposed solutions, gather information, ask questions and provide their input. Solutions are then assessed based on the feedback received as well as other factors such as cost, value and community and environmental impacts.
BCTC - BC Hydro Integration
In April 2010, the government of British Columbia tabled a new Clean Energy Act to strengthen the province’s ability to deliver clean, reliable electricity while creating new economic opportunities across the province. One element of the Act is to unify BC Hydro and BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) into a single entity.
The integrated role of transmission in BC Hydro’s clean energy future is critical. As such, BC Hydro welcomed transmission as a core part of its business mandate as of July 5, 2010.
BC Hydro will continue to build on the power of B.C. by making investments in clean, renewable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting economic growth in the province.
You can find out more about our current projects below.