Canada NewsWire
VANCOUVER, April 18, 2019
VANCOUVER, April 18, 2019 /CNW/ - Investing in infrastructure that brings clean electricity to Canadian businesses, including those in remote and northern communities, helps create good middle-class jobs, a low-carbon economy and greener communities.
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, was joined by the Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia, and Chris O'Riley, president and chief operating officer of BC Hydro, to announce federal funding for the Peace Region Electricity Supply (PRES) project.
Electricity demand in the South Peace Region is increasing due to natural gas exploration and development. To meet current and future demand, BC Hydro will expand the existing transmission infrastructure by building two parallel 230 kilovolt power lines between the future Site C Substation near Fort St John and the existing Groundbirch Substation, located about 30 kilometres east of Chetwynd.
Once complete, industries and businesses in the Peace Region will have access to a cleaner supply of energy to power their operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 2.6 megatonnes per year.
The Government of Canada is providing up to $83.6 million for this project through the Investing in Canada Plan, while BC Hydro is providing the remaining $205.4 million.
Quotes
"Transitioning to cleaner electricity is essential to protecting the environment, creating more sustainable communities and building a clean future for our kids and grandkids. This important project will encourage Canadian businesses to transition to renewable energy, boosting the economic growth in the Peace Region and promoting a greener way of life for all British Columbians."
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Working with our federal partners, we are delivering the clean energy communities, businesses and industry need, while meeting our CleanBC goals. This investment helps B.C. build a low-carbon economy that includes all sectors and provides more opportunities for people."
The Honourable John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia
"We know the gas industry is a primary driver for electricity demand in the South Peace Region. The PRES project will ensure we can reliably provide electricity to our industrial customers who want to power their facilities with clean energy – significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions."
Chris O'Riley, President and Chief Operating Officer of BC Hydro
Quick facts
Associated links
Investing in Canada Plan Project Map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia:
https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/bc-eng.html
Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html
CleanBC: https://cleanbc.gov.bc.ca/
Peace Region Electricity Supply: https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/pres.html
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Web: Infrastructure Canada
SOURCE Infrastructure Canada
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/April2019/18/c6295.html