BC Hydro acquires natural gas power facility in Campbell River

BC Hydro is looking to acquire Island Generation, a natural gas-fired facility in Campbell River, to ensure reliable electricity on Vancouver Island. 

This announcement came via the BC government who say the demand for electricity on the island is growing and this acquisition will help to ensure dependability on power resources.

The Province says Island Generation will be able to supply power during periods of peak demand. 

Over the past five years, the natural gas power facility has operated an average of approximately 15 days a year. 

Going forward, BC Hydro expects that it will continue to serve that role as the company continues to expand its clean and renewable energy portfolio. 

“British Columbia’s economy is growing, communities are expanding and more homes, businesses and industries are choosing clean electricity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. 

“Securing Island Generation will help ensure we have capacity to support that growth, while making historic investments in conservation, renewables and the clean-electricity infrastructure our province needs.”

Island Generation is a 275-megawatt facility that has supplied electricity to BC Hydro since 2002 under a long-term agreement.

The facility also supports 15 full-time jobs locally, and will continue to do so under BC Hydro’s ownership. 

In essence, BC Hydro says that Island Generation was acquired as a backup, as the company expands its energy efficiency, hydroelectric upgrades, renewable generation, battery storage, transmission infrastructure and other projects meant to fuel the economy.

“Our job is to ensure British Columbians have reliable, affordable electricity every day of the year, including during periods of exceptionally high demand,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO of BC Hydro. 

“Island Generation provides capacity that complements our hydroelectric system and the significant investments we are making in energy efficiency, renewable generation, battery storage and transmission infrastructure.”

According to the Province, BC has one of the cleanest electricity systems in North America. Approximately 98% of BC Hydro’s electricity is generated from clean or renewable resources.

The Conservative Party of BC issued a media release criticizing the acquisition, saying the BC NDP-led government was backstepping on initiatives to reduce natural gas reliance. 

The Opposition also questioned why the cost of the facility was not publicly released in the Province’s announcement.