Construction underway on Naramata substationKelowna, BC – April 1, 2009: FortisBC has announced that construction has started on the $7.2 million Naramata substation at a location immediately south of the Naramata Fire Hall. “The new substation will enhance the electrical power supply in the area and ensure our Naramata customers continue to have safe and reliable electrical service,” said Doyle Sam, Vice President, Engineering and Operations for FortisBC. “We will make every effort to minimize disruption to area residents and businesses during construction.” Greyback Construction from Penticton, BC has been hired as the general contractor responsible for site preparation as well as building a retaining wall, equipment foundations, and an aesthetic fence. That work is slated to be complete by the end of summer 2009. Phase two of construction will involve steel erection and equipment installation, electrical work, and testing and commissioning. The substation will connect to existing transmission and distribution power lines across the road from the substation site. The substation will be fenced to ensure public safety and the security of equipment. To minimize the visual impact, a customized fence design was selected in consultation with a group of local residents. Input from the local residents’ group helped FortisBC develop a substation screening fencing design that will visually blend with the site and screen the substation equipment from view at road level. Construction of the new substation is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2009. About FortisBC Inc. FortisBC Inc. is an integrated regulated electric utility based in Kelowna, British Columbia. Focused on the safe delivery of reliable and cost-effective electricity, FortisBC serves over 157,000 customers directly and indirectly through wholesale utilities in the southern interior of B.C. FortisBC owns and operates four regulated hydroelectric generating plants and approximately 7,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. FortisBC employs over 500 people in British Columbia and is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com . For further information contact: |
 
If you have a larger house and aren't using one or more rooms, be sure to lower the heat to those rooms by closing the vents or turning down the heaters. Check your basement and attic to ensure you're not heating areas that aren't occupied.  |