Saucier substation upgrade

Kelowna is growing quickly, and we’re working to ensure we continue to provide our customers with safe, reliable electricity service. We are upgrading the Saucier substation in downtown Kelowna so we can continue meeting our customers’ growing energy needs in the area, and supporting community and economic growth.

What will the project include?

We are investing $18.6 million to add a new transformer to our substation on Saucier Avenue to add capacity to our electricity system that serves our customers in downtown Kelowna. The work will be done inside the substation.

Why is this project needed? 

The Saucier substation serves a large portion of downtown Kelowna, including the Kelowna General Hospital. The project is needed to meet our customers’ growing electricity needs, and to continue to provide power safely and reliably for the area, including several local, large multi-unit housing developments. We are seeing demand for electricity grow in Kelowna due to population and economic growth, increased use of electric vehicles and heat pumps by our customers and increasing housing density in the city.

How will this project impact local residents and businesses? 

We have carefully planned the construction so we can complete the work safely and with as few disruptions to the public as possible. Construction work began in July 2025 and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. All work will be done inside the substation. There may be some impact on local residents, including daytime noise and occasional traffic disruptions on local roads during construction. Access to local businesses may also be affected at times.

When is construction taking place?

Beginning in July 2025 and continuing in the fall, we will be pouring the foundations for the control building expansion, moving a capacity bank and installing the new gate.

We have ordered the transformer, breakers and switchgear, and expect to take delivery of those in 2026.

In early 2026, we will start installing the containment and foundation for the new transformer in preparation for its arrival in summer 2026. Throughout 2026, we will complete all civil and concrete work, and install all major equipment, including switches, breakers, switchgear, etc.

In 2027, we will finish any distribution work and commission all equipment, aiming to have everything in service by the end of 2027.

We will provide updates on the progress of work throughout the project.

We’re here to help

For more information about the Saucier substation upgrade call 1-866-436-7847.