Tŝilhqot’in Nation Rejects B.C. Hydro Announcement of Potential Bute Inlet Power Project

Courtesy of the Tŝilhqot’in National Government:

The Tŝilhqot’in National Government (TNG) responded yesterday to British Columbia’s announcement that B.C. Hydro is exploring the potential for a large hydroelectric project near Bute Inlet: Powering B.C.’s future: New plan drives clean energy, growth, jobs.

As currently understood, this proposed power project would require extensive infrastructure in Tŝilhqot’in territory and has the potential to significantly impact Tŝilhqot’in lands and waters, as well as our title and rights.

TNG has communicated to B.C. Hydro, in no uncertain terms, that this project will not proceed without free, prior informed Tŝilhqot’in consent.

Specifically, TNG has made it clear to B.C. Hydro that the Tŝilhqot’in Nation must be a true partner from the outset to define and implement any investigation of this proposed power project, so that Tŝilhqot’in interests are fully understood and assessed to the satisfaction of the Tŝilhqot’in people. TNG has set out an Indigenous-led model for evaluating this project that recognizes and reflects the decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in people at each stage, and the reality that this project will not proceed without Tŝilhqot’in consent.

TNG rejects B.C. Hydro’s decision to proceed unilaterally to explore this project, without any meaningful discussion with TNG to establish a respectful process. TNG calls on B.C. Hydro to halt any investigation of this project unless and until the jurisdiction and decision-making authority of the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is fully recognized and respected in the process.

Nits’ilʔin (Chief) Otis Guichon, Tribal Chief, Tŝilhqot’in National Government, Tŝideldel First Nation goes on to say: 

"Let us be clear: our War Chiefs stood up to the colonial government, fought a war in 1864 and sacrificed their lives to stop the building of a road through Bute Inlet and into our territory. This project will never proceed over the opposition of our Nation. B.C. Hydro’s public announcement, without us, without our approval, without engaging us in any meaningful way in the process, is the most disrespectful way to initiate a process for a project that affects us so significantly and directly. It is business as usual from B.C. Hydro and we will not stand for it.”

BC Hydro takes proactive steps amid wildfire risks

Courtesy of BC Hydro:

With warmer-than-average temperatures and dry conditions forecasted in the coming months, BC Hydro is taking proactive steps to address wildfire risk and encouraging customers to get prepared.

The summer forecast for Western Canada suggests potentially soaring temperatures, with heat beginning as early as May in many parts of British Columbia. The 2024 wildfire season caused significant damage to BC Hydro’s infrastructure, resulting in approximately $15 million in response and repair costs. This included the loss of 57 transmission structures and 53 distribution poles.

The 2023 wildfire season was even more devastating – the most destructive in B.C.’s history. Nearly three million hectares of forest and land were burned, leading to thousands of evacuations and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.1 BC Hydro crews worked tirelessly during that time, restoring power to over 20,500 customers affected by wildfires and replacing approximately 200 transmission structures and over 1,200 distribution poles.

Although the severity, timing and duration of wildfire seasons are difficult to predict, preparation remains essential. BC Hydro actively prepares year-round, collaborating with other agencies to monitor and manage forest fire risks. Crews undergo continuous training to ensure rapid activation of wildfire response plans and maintain a robust inventory of essential materials, such as power poles and associated hardware, for quick deployment in affected areas. Vegetation on and near electrical rights-of-way is assessed and managed annually to reduce fuel loading and minimize the risk of outages caused by falling trees and branches.

Preventative measures include regular equipment inspections to ensure safe operations and mitigate risks. Fire retardant is sometimes applied to wooden power poles as a precautionary measure, and BC Hydro is trialing innovative solutions such as fire-resistant pole wraps. These wraps, made of steel mesh coated with a heat-activated barrier, shield poles from radiant heat and flames while allowing water evaporation to prevent decay. Last year, these pole wraps were installed on transmission circuits between Fort Nelson and the Alberta border.

BC Hydro is urging customers to get prepared for the coming wildfire season a by doing the following:

Create an emergency kit: Assemble a grab-and-go kit with essential supplies and store it in an accessible, safe location. Regularly check that all items are well-stocked and functional. PreparedBC offers tips on the recommended contents.

Develop an emergency plan: Share your plan with family members, ensuring everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

Know your power switch: Locate and label the main electrical switch in your home. Familiarize yourself with how to safely turn it off if evacuation becomes necessary.

Keep emergency contacts handy: Create a list of critical contact numbers, including fire, police, ambulance services, and BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

Residential and commercial customers affected by evacuation orders lasting five days or longer may qualify for a credit covering the electricity consumed during the evacuation period. There’s no need to contact BC Hydro – the credit will be automatically applied to a future bill. For further information, visit bchydro.com/getprepared or contact BC Hydro’s customer service team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376).

City of Williams Lake Applauds Agreement Ensuring Continued Operation of Atlantic Power's Williams Lake Plant

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is pleased to acknowledge and express its appreciation to all parties involved in today’s (Friday, March 7) announcement of a resolution that supports the continued operation of Atlantic Power Corporation’s Williams Lake power plant.

This important resolution will sustain local jobs, support the local, provincial and federal economies and contribute to BC Hydro’s energy capacity, particularly during the winter months.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Province of British Columbia, BC Hydro and Atlantic Power for their dedication and hard work in securing this agreement,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “Since hearing of Atlantic Power Corporation’s plans to cease operations at its Williams Lake plant over a year ago we have been encouraging all parties to come together to find a solution, and we are thrilled to see a resolution that prioritizes our community, local workers and the continued operation of the essential facility.”

The agreement announced by BC Hydro today ensures the biomass plant remains operational, reinforcing its role in generating clean, reliable energy for the province while continuing to support the local economy.

“The City has worked extremely hard to support the continued operation of the Williams Lake power plant, and this agreement is a win for Williams Lake,” Rathor said. “We sincerely thank BC Hydro, Atlantic Power Corporation and the Province for their commitment to working through the issues and coming to a solution that benefits everyone.”

To read the full release from BC Hydro visit: https://www.bchydro.com/news/press_centre/news_releases/2025/atlantic-power.html

Province of BC, BC Hydro and Atlantic Power reach resolution for Northwest Energy Facility in Williams Lake

Courtesy of BC Hydro:

The Government of British Columbia, BC Hydro and Atlantic Power are pleased to announce a resolution that supports the continued operation of the Northwest Energy (NW Energy) biomass facility in Williams Lake. This collaborative effort ensures the sustained contribution of the facility to BC Hydro's winter capacity while supporting the local community and surrounding areas.

“This resolution is great news for the community of Williams Lake and the workers who make their living at Northwest Energy. Working together with Atlantic Power, and in collaboration with a cross-ministry government working group, BC Hydro has negotiated an agreement that will keep the facility operating into the future,” said the Hon. Adrian Dix, BC Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “This biomass facility supports important jobs and provides economic benefits to Williams Lake and the surrounding community, and generates clean, firm electricity that we need to power homes and businesses across British Columbia and reduce carbon emissions.”

The challenge Atlantic Power’s Northwest Energy facility was facing was due to a shortage of cost-effective fibre – the wood-waste it requires to burn as fuel to create electricity. The Province and BC Hydro have worked diligently and closely with Atlantic Power over the past many months to address these challenges. Through this collaborative work, Atlantic Power has been provided with a number of recommendations for optimizing their operations such as for sourcing and managing cost-effective fuel.

As a result of this collaborative work, Atlantic Power has rescinded its termination notice for the NW Energy Electricity Purchase Agreement with BC Hydro. The NW Energy facility will continue to operate for the remaining term of the agreement. This decision is crucial in maintaining the facility’s role in benefiting the local economy and in providing clean and reliable energy for the province, especially during the winter months.

“We are pleased with this solution that will see Atlantic Power continue to operate its NW Energy facility in Williams Lake,” said Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. “We appreciate the ongoing efforts of the working group and look forward to continuing our relationship with Atlantic Power.”

The NW Energy biomass facility has been an important part of the energy landscape in Williams Lake since the early 1990s, contributing to the local economy and providing employment opportunities. The facility’s ongoing operation will continue to support Williams Lake and the surrounding communities, including local First Nations such as Tŝideldel First Nation and Williams Lake First Nation.

The continued operation of the NW Energy facility aligns with the provincial government's broader goals of promoting renewable energy, supporting local economies and fostering strong partnerships with Indigenous communities. This resolution marks a positive step towards a sustainable and resilient energy future for British Columbia.

Williams Lake Council Organizing Delegation to BC Legislature on Atlantic Power Corporation

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake is organizing a delegation of Council members, staff, First Nations leaders, community business leaders and union representatives to travel to Victoria for the first in-session day of the Legislature on February 19, 2025.

“We only have weeks to find a path forward for Atlantic Power Corporation to reach an agreement with the Province and BC Hydro to continue operations,” Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said. “This is a very important independent power producer in our community that contributes to the overall functionality of the electric supply grid in our province.  We have been working with the Province for an entire year to address this problem, and now it is mere weeks before the plant is forced to shut down permanently.”  

Atlantic Power Corporation’s Williams Lake plant provides close to 30 full-time direct jobs, as well as functions as an economic driver for many contract businesses that are suppliers to the company, including local First Nations.

On June 17, 2024, BC Premier David Eby appeared virtually during the City’s Regular Council Meeting and directed a cross-ministry task force to explore solutions to the fibre supply problem that significantly reduces the power output from the plant, at times resulting in a complete shutdown of the facility. As a result of reduced production, the plant has seen revenues decline and has been operating at a loss for the last several years.   

“Everyone came together and worked hard over the summer months, but since our last meeting with the Premier in his office in September there has been very little movement on finding a workable solution,” Rathor said. “It is inconceivable that the government of this Province is announcing fast tracking new resource projects when there is a viable, operating facility in the Interior of B.C. with a simple and straightforward solution of BC Hydro paying them a few more cents per kilowatt hour produced to keep them in the black.”

In 2024, BC Hydro imported 13,600 gigawatt hours of electricity, at a cost of nearly $1.4 billion.

Council has cancelled its regular Committee of Whole Council meeting on February 11 and has communicated to the Premier and Ministers that it is also available to meet at that time to arrive at a concrete plan to keep the plant open. 

“We appreciate that the provincial government is under tremendous pressure right now with the threat of tariffs from the U.S.,” Rathor said. “It makes sense to save a fully operational source of renewable energy within our jurisdiction rather than relying on purchasing power from Washington State during peak demand times. We have tremendous cross-sector support for finding a path forward for the Williams Lake Power Plant, and in the absence of an agreement that provides a solution before the deadline, we have no choice but to send a delegation to advocate for this critical operation in person.”

Canada/BC Hydro invest in decarbonization projects in BC

Courtesy of the Government of Canada:

Today, the Honourable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard; the Honourable Josie Osborne, B.C. Minister of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation; and Chris O’Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro, announced a joint investment of $32.7 million to support three decarbonization projects in British Columbia.

In Vancouver, this investment will support the decarbonization of the Creative Energy district energy steam plant. Existing gas boilers will be replaced with new electric steam boilers, and a 1.2km long underground powerline will be built from BC Hydro’s Murrin substation to the Beatty Street plant. Powered by clean energy delivered through the new connection to BC Hydro’s electricity grid, this investment will enable a significant reduction of the facility’s CO2 emissions and provide sufficient low-carbon energy for 12 million square feet of new commercial and residential development.

In Princeton, this funding will support the electrification of mine haul trucks at Copper Mountain Mine using a trolley assist system, and the replacement of several diesel-powered water pumps at the mine site with electrically-powered pumps. This project will reduce the mine’s CO2 emissions by 9,400 tonnes annually. Copper is a critical component of electric vehicles and clean energy technologies like wind and solar. The mining sector and the thousands of workers it employs in British Columbia and across the country will play a key role in building Canada’s green economy.

In the Cariboo Regional District, this funding will go towards fully electrifying all underground mine equipment at the proposed Cariboo Gold Project, a new underground gold mine and processing plant under development, and connect an existing substation to BC Hydro’s electricity grid, located near Wells BC. This investment will reduce the facilities’ CO2 emission by 22,700 tonnes annually.

Once completed, the two projects will help the mines to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce emissions.

With 98% clean electricity, low-carbon electrification is a key part of the CleanBC plan to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and move British Columbia toward a clean energy future.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.

BC Hydro expands its electric vehicle fast charging site in Williams Lake

Courtesy of BC Hydro:

BC Hydro has doubled the number of chargers at its electric vehicle fast charging site in Williams Lake with the addition of a new 50-kilowatt charging unit.

"We are working to make it easier for drivers in B.C. to go electric and use more of B.C.'s clean, reliable hydroelectricity," says the Hon. Josie Osborne, BC's Minister of Energy, Mines and Low-Carbon Innovation. "This charging location in Williams Lake will help make public charging more convenient as a growing number of people in the B.C. Interior make the switch to electric vehicles."

The Williams Lake site originally opened in January 2020 and is located at City Hall (450 Mart Street). The site was built with one 50-kilowatt charging unit. On December 29, an additional 50-kilowatt charging unit was brought into service. Each unit can add 50 kilometres of driving to an average electric vehicle in about 10 minutes. This updated location also includes a curbless design and lower displays on the new charger for better accessibility.

"The City of Williams Lake is proud to be part of the commitment to reduce community-wide emissions and increase the number of electric vehicles on the road," says Surinderpal Rathor, Mayor of Williams Lake. "Expanding the charging station at City Hall is another step toward this goal, and we would like to thank BC Hydro, the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada for investing in this important initiative."

Transportation accounts for about 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in B.C. In September 2021, BC Hydro revealed its Electrification Plan, with initiatives to encourage B.C. residents, businesses and industries to switch to hydroelectricity from fossil fuels to help reduce carbon emissions. The plan encourages switching from gas-powered cars to electric vehicles.

"As the primary fuel supplier for electric vehicles, we are building out charging infrastructure to ensure we can accommodate the volume and variety of electric vehicles that will be on B.C. roads in the coming years," says Chris O'Riley, President and CEO of BC Hydro. "BC Hydro will add 325 charging units to its network at 145 sites within the next five years."

BC Hydro's provincewide fast charging network currently includes 133 charging units at 81 sites in communities throughout B.C. The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.

BC Hydro Set to Begin Switch to Energy-Efficient Street Lights in Williams Lake

Courtesy of the City of Williams Lake:

The City of Williams Lake would like to inform residents of an upcoming street light replacement project being undertaken by BC Hydro in the community from April 19 to May 31.

The project will see the replacement of all BC Hydro high pressure sodium (HPS) street lights in Williams Lake with energy-efficient LEDs, estimated at approximately 850 lights. Each new light installation takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

While interruptions to service are expected to be minimal, the City would like to advise residents to use appropriate caution while BC Hydro crews are working along roadways. There may also be some short-term lane closures or other traffic controls in place throughout the duration of the project. BC Hydro does not expect the need for planned outages during the process.

The new LED lights will help improve public safety by increasing the visibility of sidewalks and roads at night, as well as reducing light pollution. The lights use approximately 50 per cent less energy, are more reliable, last three times longer (up to a 20-year lifespan) and have a lower environmental footprint. 

LED street lights produce a whiter and more natural light than the orange light emitted from existing street lights.

The project in Williams Lake is part of an ongoing commitment from BC Hydro to replace all of its street lights across the province over the next three years with new LEDs.

For more information, or if you have inquiries, contact City of Williams Lake Municipal Services Coordinator Cindy Walters at cwalters@williamslake.ca. or phone: 250-392-1784