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BC Hydro will build a new substation to meet a growing demand for electricity in Kamloops.
An agreement was met between BC Hydro and the City of Kamloops for the hydroelectricity company to purchase a parcel of land from the city for the construction of the new substation.
“BC Hydro is projecting electricity demand to increase by about 30 per cent over the next 10 years alone,” said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone. “Electricity is the backbone of our economy and essential to our way of life. A growing city needs power and this new substation will help to ensure that reliable power is there when we need it.”
The new substation will be built on an industrial site off Bunker Road, adjacent to the city works yard and Kenna Cartwright Park. The site is close to existing transmission lines and has low potential for environmental and archaeological impacts.
“Over the next 20 years, the population of the city is expected to grow by 25 per cent,” said Mayor Peter Milobar. “Much of this growth will be in the southwest area of Kamloops and we’ve been working closely with BC Hydro to identify a site for the new substation to ensure the electrical needs of the region are met.”
Construction of the new substation is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2016, and expected to be in service in 2018. The cost is estimated at $49 million. BC Hydro is working on a design and will host a public information session later this year.