Construction on the Big White Supply project began in November 2006. The project involves the construction of a new substation at Big White Village and a transmission line, which has been partially constructed along Highway 33 through prior upgrades. FortisBC will also be making additional improvements to the distribution lines at Big White Village.
FortisBC is proposing to build a new substation in the north area of Kelowna. This substation will assist in meeting a growing demand for electricity in the North Glenmore and Ellison areas. The Ellison and the North Glenmore areas have a number of large subdivisions and other developments underway or due to expand soon. These include UBC campus in North Kelowna, Kelowna Airport, four major residential developments and one major commercial development.
FortisBC’s proposal to build a new substation in the Black Mountain area of Kelowna was approved by the BC Utilities Commission in July 2007. The approved site is FortisBC’s preferred site based on technical efficiency, cost, and overall impact to area residents and rate payers. This includes a new substation on the north side of Highway 33 near Joe Rich Road and associated power lines. 
FortisBC is proposing to construct a distribution source substation in the south central Kelowna area together with the necessary transmission and distribution feeder facilities to tie the substation into the existing transmission and distribution network. This project is required to meet growing customer demand in central Kelowna.
In 2005 FortisBC energized the Vaseux terminal to improve the power supply in the south Okanagan. The Okanagan Transmission Project (OTR) is the second phase of this project. The transmission lines will be upgraded from the Vaseux Substation to Penticton and from Vaseux to Oliver. This upgrade will also involve the construction of a new substation east of Oliver. This project will address both capacity and reliability needs in South and North Okanagan regions.
FortisBC is proposing to construct a new distribution source substation on the east side of the Columbia River in Ootischenia, together with the necessary transmission and distribution feeder facilities to tie the substation into the existing transmission and distribution network. This project is required to increase electricity capacity in the Castlegar, Ootischenia and Blueberry areas. It will provide backup capability for the Castlegar and Blueberry substations 
Construction on the Kettle Valley Distribution and Source Project started in April 2007. The project involves the construction of a new substation in Kettle Valley, upgrades to the electrical system and installation of a high speed communication system.
FortisBC plans to invest $500 million in electrical system upgrades and other improvements over the next 5 years to increase system reliability, service, and safety and provide for expected population and business growth in the Okanagan, Boundary, and Kootenay areas. Check out some of the major infrastructure enhancements that FortisBC is making by clicking on the map below.
Work on the electrical system may require interruptions to normal power delivery. New equipment and integration of substations and lines can result in occasional outages while the system is commissioned. FortisBC will do its best to ensure customers are informed of any planned power outages, and we will minimize outages where possible. To report an outage call 1-866-4FORTIS (1-866-436-7847). Projects
Big White Supply Project
This project will increase capacity to meet Big White’s requirements for the next 20-30 years and also improves service in the Joe Rich, McCulloch and Idabel Lake areas. This project is scheduled for completion in December 2008. The Ellison Project
In July 2007, the BCUC approved a project option which involves the construction of a new distribution substation near the corner of Lochrem Road and Highway 97 and a transmission line between the new substation and the existing Duck Lake substation. Construction is expected to start in March 2008, with completion by the end of 2008. Black Mountain Source Project
FortisBC expects to begin construction on the new substation and lines in 2008. Benvoulin Substation
Project analysis and public consultation are underway. The project will be subject to British Columbia Utilities Commission approval and is currently planned for completion by the summer of 2009. Okanagan Transmission Reinforcement (OTR)
Preliminary engineering, environmental, archeological, health and safety assessments are in progress. This project will be subject to British Columbia Utilities Commission approval and is currently planned for completion in 2010. Ootischenia Substation Project
Project analysis and public consultation are underway. The project will be subject to British Columbia Utilities Commission approval and is currently planned for completion by December 2008. Kettle Valley Distribution and Source Project
This project will improve system reliability in the Boundary area by upgrading aged infrastructure. It will also address load growth and meet capacity requirements in the area. This project is scheduled for completion by the fall 2008. Nk'Mip (East Osoyoos) Transmission & Substation Project
Construction on the Nk’Mip Project began in February 2007. This project involves the construction of a new substation on the east side of Osoyoos and related power lines from Oliver. In addition, there will be four distribution lines constructed which will service new loads and provide redundancy in the Osoyoos area. The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2007 |
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.  |