PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — The Province of B.C. has announced it is enabling the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to act as a “one-window regulator for permits” necessary to support the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) and other high-voltage electricity transmission projects.
“We urgently need to expand our electricity system in the north to meet the needs of growing industries that want to use clean energy to sustain and expand their operations, creating jobs and economic benefits for First Nations and communities,” said Premier David Eby in a statement. “The BC Energy Regulator is an experienced organization that has demonstrated expertise at getting projects moving quickly, while providing robust regulatory oversight through the life cycle of projects.”
The province intends to make legislative amendments in spring 2025 to enable the BCER to adjudicate permits and authorizations associated with the construction of the NCTL and other major high-voltage transmission lines.
“If the NCTL is not built, and built quickly, major critical minerals, future port expansions, and LNG, hydrogen and other important resource projects may not proceed,” said Adrian Dix, minister of energy and climate solutions. “We need to move this vital project forward to realize B.C.’s resource-development potential and create jobs and investment opportunities, while achieving provincial climate targets.”
The NCTL project will construct a new transmission line running about 450 kilometres between Prince George and Terrace. The area is currently served by one 500-kilovolt transmission line running from Prince George to Terrace, which does not have the capacity to serve the increasing demand.
The new project will be comprised of two new transmission line segments and associated towers, as well as upgrades to existing substation and capacitor station infrastructure, the government outlines.
Currently, BC Hydro is working with First Nations to identify leading routes for the new line. At the same time, BC Hydro and the province are advancing discussions with First Nations regarding co-ownership of the transmission line.
“A number of provincial permits will be required throughout the planning, development and construction of the project, including under the Forest Act, the Heritage Conservation Act, the Land Act, the Wildlife Act and the Water Sustainability Act,” the release reads.
“The Energy Resource Activities Act enables the BCER to act as a one-window regulator by giving it responsibility for provincial authorizations required for oil, gas, hydrogen, ammonia and methanol activities, and overseeing exploration, development, operations and restoration. The BCER also regulates geothermal resources through the Geothermal Resource Act and associated regulations and additional authorities.”
The NCTL is part of BC Hydro’s 10-year capital plan that will invest $36 billion over the next decade for community and regional infrastructure investments throughout the province, including $4.7 billion for the north.
Recent Comments