The existing 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line serving the communities from Invermere to Field is reaching its capacity limit due to increased electricity demand in the Golden area. New transmission infrastructure is required by late 2012 to bring additional power to this region.
To address the near-term and long-term electricity requirements in the upper Columbia Valley area, BC Hydro is proposing to build two new transmission lines and a new substation.
The proposed 230 kV transmission line will connect the existing Invermere Substation to a proposed new substation – the Kicking Horse Substation - to be built near Golden. The proposed 69 kV transmission line will connect the Kicking Horse Substation with the existing Golden Substation. Also included in the project are expansions to Invermere Substation and Golden Substation.
The Columbia Valley Transmission Project will ensure that the communities of this region have a safe, secure and reliable supply of power well into the future.
What's new?
Project Status - as of August 26, 2010
Construction has not begun on the CVT Project. BC Hydro is waiting to hear a decision from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) on our application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). A decision is expected from the Commission sometime later this month or in September.
There is survey work taking place on the proposed transmission line route. As well, there are geotechnical investigations being undertaken at the proposed Kicking Horse Substation site. This current work is similar to other studies or surveys that have been undertaken during the planning phase for the project.
No clearing work (such as removal of merchantable timber), or any construction, would proceed unless the project was approved by the BCUC and a CPCN was awarded.
July 2010 Project Update
The planning phase for the Columbia Valley Transmission Project is well underway. For updated information on the project, the proposed schedule and the CPCN Application Review, please see the Project Update below:
Questions? Want more information?
Please contact:
Phone: 604 623 4472 (New!)
Toll free:1 866 647 3334
Fax: 604 623 3937 (New!)
Email: stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com