The proposed Northwest Transmission Line (NTL) is a 335 km, 287 kV transmission line between Skeena Substation (near Terrace) and a new substation to be built near Bob Quinn Lake. This new line would provide a reliable supply of clean power to potential industrial developments in the area; provide a secure interconnection point for clean generation projects; and potentially assist certain northwest communities to access the electricity grid, rather than obtaining their power from diesel generators.
We have studied the possibility of an NTL for several years. Click here to see the technical studies.
What’s new
On May 28, 2010, clean energy agreements between BC Hydro, BC Transmission Corporation, Coast Mountain Hydro L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of AltaGas Income Trust Ltd. (AltaGas), and the Tahltan Nation were announced by the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. These agreements include:
- A $180-million umbrella agreement between AltaGas and BCTC for the construction and development of the NTL;
- An electricity purchase agreement between BC Hydro and AltaGas for the Forrest Kerr clean energy project near Bob Quinn Lake; and
- An impact benefit agreement between AltaGas and the Tahltan Nation for the Forrest Kerr project
The NTL project also includes $130 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Green Infrastructure Fund, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in September 2009.
The estimated ratepayer contribution to the NTL will be $94 million, which is expected to be offset by contributions from future clean, renewable energy projects and/or mine developments.
Environmental Assessment News
On April 14, 2010, the BC Environmental Assessment Office formally accepted the Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the Northwest Transmission Line for review.
The Application is now posted on the BCEAO website.
For more information on the Review process, visit the EAO website.
Read the Spring 2010 NTL Project Update.
The 45-day public comment period on the Application for an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the NTL ended at midnight on June 10, 2010.
Questions? Want more information?
Please contact:
Phone: 604 699 7456
Toll-free: 1 866 647 3334
Fax: 604 699 7540
Email: stakeholderengagement@bchydro.com