BC Hydro wants to install a sixth generating unit at the Revelstoke dam in order to meet an anticipated 40 per cent increase in demand for electricity over the next 20 years.
The new unit would add 500 megawatts of capacity to BC Hydro’s electricity system and help meet peak demand periods. An application for an environmental assessment certificate has been submitted to the BC Environmental Assessment office to install the sixth generating unit. A decision to issue the certificate is expected by fall 2017
If approved, the Unit 6 project is estimated to cost up to $582 million (based on the earliest in-service date of 2021). The project would see the addition of a new generating unit to an existing, empty bay in the Revelstoke powerhouse.
“We’re excited to be moving this important project forward. Not only does Revelstoke Unit 6 ensure that power is there for our customers during the winter season when electricity use in B.C. reaches its peak, it reflects our evolving relationships with area First Nations,” said Chris O’Riley, Deputy CEO and Capital Infrastructure Project Delivery.
The project will also build a new capacitor station 19 kilometres west of Summerland needed to deliver the additional power to the grid. Originally designed to house six generating units, only four were installed when the facility was constructed. BC Hydro added a fifth generating unit that began operating in 2010
Revelstoke Unit 6 and Site C are both needed to avoid a significant capacity deficit within 10 years. If demand grows as currently forecast, Revelstoke Unit 6 will be needed in 2026 to cover a capacity deficit during major maintenance work at Mica dam. Mica dam is aging and work is required on four generating units. Starting in 2026, the units will be out of service one at a time for 12 to 18 months, reducing Mica’s capacity by 410 megawatts for up to six years. For contingency, BC Hydro is pursuing regulatory approval so it could be in-service as early as 2021 in case more capacity is needed sooner.
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