Reports from BC Hydro are suggesting the Site C dam near Fort St. john is producing more power than expected.
The dam’s capacity was estimated at 1,100 megawatts of electricity, but BC Hydro said it can generate 10 percent more.
The utility said this is not because more water gets through each unit, but because generators are more efficient than expected.
In 2013, BC Hydro agreed to pay $2.4 million a year to the PRRD once the site becomes operational, an amount that is adjusted yearly with inflation.
The PRRD then distributes the money to local communities in the Peace Region. The money is divided based on a formula that takes into consideration the population and the impact of the project on each community.
The estimated capacity doesn’t affect the amount of money each community gets. The payment is fixed whether electricity production is above or under expectations.
The PRRD is now looking to renegotiate the deal with BC Hydro, but no discussions have taken place yet.
In 2020, the district was seeking a compensation for construction impacts, lost property taxes waste management, and other extra costs affiliated with the project.
CJDC-TV News contacted the District of Hudson’s Hope, whose mayor previously commented on the story. District officials would not comment as “it’s a PRRD matter.”
The PRRD could not provide a statement in time for
publishing.
When at full capacity, the Site C dam produces enough energy to power about 555,000 homes per year in the province.