CANADA, August 19 -
Summary
- BC Hydro is investing $200 million to renew and expand the Newell Substation, a critical part of Burnaby's electricity system
- Replacing the aging infrastructure maintains reliability for customers and creates capacity for approximately 15,000 more, supporting new housing, businesses and electrification
- It is a part of BC Hydro’s broader investment in Burnaby, alongside major upgrades at the Horne Payne, Lougheed and Barnard substations
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Critical upgrades to BC Hydro’s Newell Substation will add capacity to serve approximately 15,000 more customers, supporting new housing, business growth and electrification in Burnaby.
BC Hydro is investing $200 million to modernize and expand the Newell Substation, renewing critical infrastructure that has served Burnaby homes, businesses and industry for nearly 70 years.
“This investment will make a real difference for people by strengthening the electricity system they rely on every day,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Renewing the Newell Substation will improve reliability for nearly 60,000 existing customers and replace aging equipment before it reaches the end of its service life. It will help ensure families, businesses and communities in Burnaby have access to the clean, dependable electricity they need as the region continues to grow.”
Improving reliability and increasing capacity
As equipment at Newell Substation reaches the end of its operational life, BC Hydro is undertaking a major renewal of the facility to maintain reliable service and ensure the electricity system can meet growing demand. It is a key pillar of BC Hydro’s Powering Growth, Fueling Opportunity strategy that focuses on conserving energy, optimizing existing infrastructure and building for the future.
“This project is about renewing critical infrastructure before it reaches the end of its service life while making sure the electricity system is ready for the future,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby Centre. “As Burnaby continues to grow, particularly in areas such as Metrotown and Highgate, these investments will improve reliability for existing customers and ensure we have the capacity needed to support new homes, businesses and economic development.”
Key project upgrades include:
- replacing the aging outdoor feeder section with a new state-of-the-art feeder building
- installing a new transformer to replace equipment nearing the end of its service life
- upgrading critical electrical infrastructure throughout the site to improve reliability and increase capacity
Most of the construction will occur within the existing substation property, with some work required along Kingsway and Griffiths Drive to support installation of new underground distribution infrastructure. Construction is underway and expected to be completed in 2031.
“Newell Substation has played a vital role in Burnaby’s electricity system for nearly 70 years,” said Charlotte Mitha, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “This investment is first and foremost about renewing aging infrastructure and maintaining reliable service for the tens of thousands of customers who depend on it every day. At the same time, we’re adding the capacity needed to support growing communities, new housing, business investment and electrification across the region.”
Part of BC Hydro’s broader investment in Burnaby
The Newell project is part of BC Hydro’s broader investment in Burnaby’s electricity system. Burnaby requires infrastructure renewal and additional capacity to support growth. Other major projects underway include:
- Horne Payne Substation expansion: Modernizing infrastructure and adding capacity to serve approximately 10,000 to 17,500 homes by 2027.
- Lougheed Substation expansion: Increasing capacity to serve approximately 20,000 to 35,000 homes by 2029 while supporting growth in the Lougheed area.
- Barnard Substation expansion: Adding enough capacity to serve approximately 18,000 to 30,000 homes by 2029 while strengthening reliability for more than 40,000 existing customers.
Together, these investments will help ensure Burnaby residents and businesses continue to have access to the clean, affordable and reliable electricity they need, while supporting housing, economic development and electrification.
Quotes:
Mike Hurley, mayor of Burnaby –
“Burnaby is growing rapidly, and we need to make sure our infrastructure keeps pace. Investments like the Newell project, along with other BC Hydro projects like Horne Payne, Lougheed and Barnard substations, are essential to ensuring people and businesses have access to the power they need. This investment will help support communities and economic development in Burnaby for decades to come.”
Adam Van Steinburg, international representative, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Canada –
“The IBEW membership and BC Hydro’s long-standing collaboration to provide clean energy and good-paying union jobs to British Columbians continues to this day. The Newell Substation upgrade will ensure that we can meet the increased demand for power and further electrifying our neighborhoods and transportation networks. We’re proud to be a part of the crucial network of service providers, building, maintaining and growing alongside the province.”
Quick Facts:
- Built between 1946 and 1955, Newell Substation is a critical part of Metro Vancouver’s electricity system.
- It is interconnected with the Barnard, New Westminster and Como Lake substations.
- It supplies a significant portion of the 60-kilovolt network serving Burnaby and New Westminster and helps power Simon Fraser University and industrial customers in North Burnaby.
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