The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 115 (IUOE 115) has expressed strong support for BC Hydro’s long-term strategy to expand British Columbia’s electricity generation capacity, including early-stage exploration of two major hydroelectric projects: Site E on the Peace River and Homathko near Bute Inlet on the Central Coast.
While no final decisions have been made on construction, the exploration phase is intended to ensure the province is prepared for rising electricity demand and future energy security challenges.
According to BC Hydro’s newly released “conserve, optimize and build” strategy, electricity demand in the province is expected to increase by around 20% by 2030 and could rise by as much as 50% by 2050. The plan outlines a broad mix of infrastructure development, grid reinforcement and alternative energy solutions designed to meet this long-term growth.
Among the key elements of the strategy is the assessment of two potentially large hydroelectric developments. Site E on the Peace River could generate up to 750 megawatts, while the Homathko project near Bute Inlet could reach up to 900 megawatts. These projects remain in the early evaluation stage, but are considered important options for securing future generation capacity.
The plan also includes a wider portfolio of energy initiatives beyond hydroelectric expansion. BC Hydro is reviewing geothermal opportunities, increased biomass capacity for winter demand stability, and utility-scale battery storage projects capable of delivering up to 400 megawatts. In addition, emerging technologies aimed at improving system flexibility are also under consideration.
Transmission infrastructure is another central pillar of the strategy. Planned investments include the North Coast Transmission Line, which would more than double electricity capacity between Prince George and Terrace. This expansion is intended to support industrial growth and regional development while strengthening the resilience of the provincial grid.
BC Hydro’s roadmap also highlights targeted regional initiatives designed to reinforce energy infrastructure in key growth corridors, including North Thompson-Kamloops, Williams Lake, Terrace to Kitimat, the Port of Prince Rupert and the South Peace Montney region. Major upgrades are also planned across the Interior, Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island.
For IUOE 115, the strategy represents both an economic opportunity and a continuation of a long tradition of infrastructure development in the province.
Bryan Railton, business manager for IUOE 115, emphasized the importance of expanding energy infrastructure to support economic growth and energy independence.
He noted that union members have played a central role in building some of British Columbia’s largest hydroelectric projects, including the W.A.C. Bennett Dam, Arrow Lakes, Mica and Revelstoke, and that similar large-scale projects could once again provide long-term employment opportunities for skilled trades workers.
According to Railton, the next generation of workers entering the trades sector can expect sustained demand if projects like Site E and Homathko move forward, alongside other major infrastructure developments planned across the province.
The strategy also emphasizes collaboration with First Nations, local communities, industry stakeholders and customers, with public ownership remaining a key principle of BC Hydro’s approach.
Brynn Bourke, executive director of the BC Building Trades, also welcomed the initiative, highlighting the role of generations of construction and trades workers in developing the province’s existing hydro infrastructure.
She described BC Hydro’s current strategy as the beginning of a new chapter focused on expanding and modernizing energy systems to meet future demand while continuing to support economic development and public energy needs.
