BC Hydro is investing more than $1 billion to expand Burnaby's power capacities as the city's population continues to grow.
The company says significant growth is occurring in Brentwood, Metrotown and the Burquitlam/Lougheed communities as well as forecasted industrial growth in Big Bend and Lake City areas.
“We must build out B.C.’s electrical system like never before, to power our homes and businesses, to power a growing economy and to power our future,” Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation Josie Osborne said in a news release.
“In Burnaby and communities across B.C., these construction projects will create thousands of good jobs over the next decade and ensure that people have access to clean, affordable and reliable electricity – when they need it and where they need it.”
Six specific projects will benefit from the funding. This includes:
- Horne Payne substation expansion
- Powering an additional 10,000 to 17,500 homes
- Expected to be complete in 2027
- Newell substation expansion
- Will power an additional 10,000 to 17,500 homes
- Expected to be complete in 2027
- Lougheed substation expansion
- Will power an additional 20,000 to 35,000 homes
- Expected to be complete in 2029
- New substation to serve the Metrotown area
- Will power an additional 40,000 to 70,000 homes
- Expected to be complete in 2033
- Voltage conversion projects in Metrotown and Barnard
“In growing cities like Burnaby, where we are seeing significant housing, building, transportation and industrial growth, we are embarking on significant upgrades to our electricity system, including investments in new and expanded substation projects as well as voltage conversion projects to ensure we can continue to provide reliable and clean electricity to our customers,” BC Hydro president and CEO Chris O'Riley added.
“We are also making important changes to our customer connections process to speed up timelines for newly constructed homes and buildings.”
In January, the province announced BC Hydro's updated 10-year capital plan, which included $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments across multiple municipalities.
“Burnaby residents and business owners are seeking affordable and reliable options for clean energy and these investments in electricity infrastructure will help meet those needs as our city grows,” acting Burnaby Mayor Sav Dhaliwal stated.
“We seek to be a leader in the transition away from carbon-intensive energy and these foundational investments from BC Hydro are essential steps on that path.”
