Powering growth in Surrey with clean, affordable electricity

BC Hydro will construct approximately $1 billion in capital projects in Surrey over the next decade to upgrade and expand the electricity grid and provide clean power for homes, businesses and growing electrification and transportation needs.

“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,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation. “In Surrey, throughout the Lower Mainland and in 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.”

In January, the Province announced BC Hydro’s updated 10-year capital plan, which contains $36 billion in regional and community infrastructure investments throughout B.C., for a 50% increase in investments over its previous capital plan. These new construction projects are forecast to support 10,500 to 12,500 jobs on average annually, and will increase and maintain BC Hydro’s capital investments as major projects, such as the Site C hydroelectric dam, are completed.

The plan reflects growing demand for electricity across sectors due to population growth and housing construction, and increased industrial development, as well as people and businesses switching from fossil fuels to clean electricity, among other factors.

Read the full article here.