BC Hydro for North Coast Transmission Line Early Works
December 10, 2025
Foundational step towards moving transformational energy project forward
- Early works include project planning, engineering, fieldwork, procurements, consultation with Indigenous communities and stakeholder engagement
- Supports the construction readiness of the proposed new transmission line
- Unlocks energy capacity in northern British Columbia to support economic development opportunities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels
The early works of BC Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL) project includes pre-construction activities such as project planning, engineering, fieldwork, procurements, consultation with First Nation communities, stakeholder engagements and enabling works to improve site access.
Northwest British Columbia is experiencing significant growth across sectors such as port operations, mining, hydrogen production, technology and liquified natural gas. As a result, the anticipated demand for electricity is expected to exceed the capacity of the region’s existing transmission system. The area is currently served by one 500-kilovolt transmission line running from Prince George to Terrace.
To support this economic development and to meet customers needs, BC Hydro has proposed the NCTL to expand energy infrastructure by building new transmission lines, installing fibre-optic cable, expanding or upgrading substations and increasing capacitor stations.
BC Hydro is working with First Nations to identify leading routes for the NCTL. At the same time, BC Hydro, the Province and First Nations are in discussions regarding co-ownership of the infrastructure, with support from the CIB for financing the NCTL, including options to support Indigenous equity, once early works are complete.
The early works project falls within the CIB’s Clean Power priority sector which has a target of at least $10 billion in capital to help increase energy supply and security, advance clean power generation, distribution, create jobs, reduce emissions and make the transition to new energy projects more affordable for ratepayers.
The North Coast is currently supplied by 450 km of 500 kilovolt (kV) radial transmission lines from Williston Substation near Prince George to Skeena Substation near Terrace. Glenannan and Telkwa substations are located along the 500 kV lines.
From Terrace, transmission lines head north towards the Aiyansh substation near Gitlaxt’aamiks (formerly New Aiyansh), south to Kitimat, and west to Prince Rupert.
Project details
- New 500 kV transmission lines and associated infrastructure from Williston Substation near Prince George to Skeena Substation in Terrace.
- New 500 kV infrastructure north of Terrace from Skeena Substation to Bob Quinn Substation.
- New transmission infrastructure in the Prince Rupert area.
BC Hydro are also proposing to upgrade the existing 500 kV transmission lines between Williston and Skeena substations.
BC Hydro continues to engage with existing and potential customers to understand their plans. Expansion may also be needed for the transmission system south to Kitimat and west to Prince Rupert depending on customer demand and location. The proposed projects as well as other potential projects are shown in the following figure.
