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Terrace to Kitimat power line route chosen

BC Hydro has announced it will be building only one new 287kV power line from its Skeena Substation – it had been considering two

BC Hydro has announced it will be building only one new 287kV power line from its Skeena Substation at Terrace to Kitimat.

It had been considering two lines in light of anticipated industrial expansion in Kitimat, including two large liquefied natural gas plants, and of the consequent need to provide reliable power to that area.

BC Hydro’s load forecasts, which include information we have received from potential future industrial developers, indicate that a single 287kV transmission line will provide enough capacity to meet electricity needs in the area,” an email from the corporation indicated this morning.

To date, discussions with these potential developers have not indicated that a second line is needed for reliability,” it continued.

LNG developers have now said they will generate the majority of their own power needed to cool natural gas into a liquid form for export.

BC Hydro did say, however, that it will still have the flexibility to construct a second line if ever needed.

A new line is needed to replace the one now in service which is at the end of its service life.

The new line will be built down the west side of the Kitimat valley.