Energy

 

DYNAMIC UTILITY

FortisBC Inc. is a dynamic company with its main engineering and operations office located in Trail. In the last several years the Company has spent over $120 million modernizing the local transmission system. In the next five years the Company plans to spend over $80 million to modernize its nearby hydroelectric plants. Current employment in the greater Trail area is about 170, the majority of which are in engineering, information technology and managerial positions. FortisBC recently completed the construction of its customer contact centre in its Trail office and an additional 20 staff were hired to operate the centre.

 

GENERATING AN ECONOMIC BOOST

Columbia Basin Power Projects is a joint venture between the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), and the Province’s representative, Columbia Power Corporation (CPC). Together, the two companies form a joint venture partnership, and undertake the construction of various hydroelectric projects. In 1995, the Province of BC committed to invest $50 million annually for 10 years for these projects.

 

The first major construction project, the Arrow Lakes Generating Station, was completed in 2002. The 185-megawatt is located 400 metres downstream of the Hugh Keenleyside Dam, which is owned by BC Hydro. The project created over 100 person years of employment, and injected $70 million into the local economy through wages and spending.

 

The construction of the second major hydroelectric project, the Brilliant Expansion, began in the spring of 2003. The 120-megawatt powerhouse is located just downstream of the Brilliant Dam, which is owned by the joint venture partners, Columbia Power Corporation and CBT. On site employment during the three-year construction period averaged approximately 175 workers and provided many apprenticeship training opportunities. The project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2007 at a cost of $ 167 million.

 

Planning for the third major construction project is underway. The proposed Waneta Expansion Project will see the construction of a powerhouse just below the Waneta Dam, near Trail, which is owned by Teck Cominco Ltd, on the Pend’Oreille River. Construction of the project is scheduled to begin in 2008, and be completed by 2012.

 

In 2004 BC Hydro completed installation of a $ 90 million fourth generator at its Seven Mile Dam south of Trail. The second component is a $ 100 million dam safety improvement project which is now complete. The Dam employs 20 full-time people and the construction projects create additional local employment. Additional energy projects in the area are also under consideration.

 
 
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