- B.C. Hydro has purchased the Island Generation facility in Campbell River, which is considered a key power source during periods of peak demand and for future growth on Vancouver Island.
- Mayor Kermit Dahl stated that this acquisition is a positive development for Campbell River, Vancouver Island, and the province, highlighting its importance for reliability and economic growth.
- The Island Generation facility has operated an average of about 15 days a year over the past five years, primarily during peak demand periods.
- Energy Minister Adrian Dix emphasized that securing the Island Generation facility will help ensure capacity to support British Columbia's growing economy.
- Capital Power acquired Island Generation after the Catalyst mill closed in October 2010 and has maintained a power purchase agreement with B.C. Hydro since.
- B.C. Hydro sought approval from the B.C. Utilities Commission to extend its contract with Island Generation this spring, citing a significant increase in electricity demand driven by data centres, electric vehicles, and industrial growth.
- The province anticipates a 20% increase in power demand within four years and a need to double electricity production by 2050.
B.C. Hydro's acquisition of the Island Generation facility in Campbell River is a strategic move to address the anticipated 20% increase in electricity demand by 2030.3
The facility, which has operated about 15 days a year during peak demand, is essential for supporting Vancouver Island's growth, especially during extreme weather conditions.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix emphasized the importance of the facility, stating, "Securing Island Generation will help ensure we have capacity to support that growth."4
The province aims to double electricity production by 2050, driven by rising demand from data centers, electric vehicles, and industrial customers.
Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl expressed optimism, noting, "This asset matters for reliability, emergency preparedness, local jobs, and our ability to attract future industrial investment to our community."2
Despite the reliance on natural gas, which Evan Pivnick from Clean Energy B.C. described as an "unfortunate necessity," the province continues to invest in renewable energy sources, with 98% of B.C.'s energy coming from renewables.
The purchase price remains confidential, but the acquisition is seen as a critical step in ensuring long-term power reliability for Vancouver Island.
B.C. Hydro has been considering this purchase since 2002, highlighting the ongoing need for reliable energy sources as the region's economy grows.
“The 275-megawatt Island Generation facility has operated only about 15 days a year over the past five years, but the province projects a 20% power demand increase within four years. Mayor Kermit Dahl called the purchase essential for reliability, emergency preparedness, and attracting industrial investment to the former mill site.”
