Executive Summary (Phase 3)

B.C. Hydro’s North Coast Transmission Line is a proposed high-voltage transmission expansion in northwest British Columbia that has been referred to Canada’s Major Projects Office for consideration. Phase 3 focuses on extending transmission capacity north of Terrace to support growing clean electricity demand, enable major industrial developments, and strengthen regional resilience for communities and infrastructure across the Northwest corridor.

Phase 3 is described as new transmission infrastructure north of Terrace, connecting towards Aiyanish and Bob Quinn Lake, with planning underway. It is positioned as a key element of a wider clean energy and economic corridor that supports critical minerals development and export-oriented LNG projects, while contributing to emissions reductions and long-term regional growth.

Proponent, sector, and location

• Proponent: B.C. Hydro
• Sector: Electricity transmission
• Location: Northwest British Columbia
• Status: Referred to the Major Projects Office for consideration

Context and need

Northwest B.C. is experiencing rising demand from communities and industrial proponents seeking clean, reliable power. The NCTL programme is intended to expand transfer capability and improve system resilience, particularly in areas where new industrial loads and remote communities require improved capacity and reliability. Phase 3 addresses the north of Terrace portion of this need by planning additional transmission infrastructure to connect advanced interconnection requests and unlock further regional investment.

Core infrastructure

• New transmission infrastructure north of Terrace, described as extending towards Aiyanish and Bob Quinn Lake, with an approximate length of about 350 kilometres in provincial project descriptions.

Development approach

• B.C. Hydro’s preliminary concept is to develop the new lines and associated substations in two segments.
• Route planning is at an early stage, with consideration given to following the existing Northwest Transmission Line corridor where practicable.

System and community co-benefits

• The broader project framing emphasises improved electricity access for remote communities and strengthened telecommunications capacity, alongside expanded transmission capability to enable clean growth.

Stakeholders and engagement approach

Key stakeholder groups

• Indigenous Nations and rights holders in potentially affected areas north of Terrace
• Local communities and regional governments
• Industrial customers seeking interconnection in the North Coast and Highway 37 corridor
• Provincial and federal review bodies, including the Major Projects Office pathway

Engagement principles
Phase 3 planning is expected to require early, sustained engagement with Indigenous Nations and local communities to inform corridor selection, route refinement, environmental review planning, access and construction logistics, and long-term benefit opportunities.

Anticipated outcomes and benefits

Phase 3 is an enabling component of the wider NCTL vision, with benefits typically framed at the overall project level:

1. Clean growth enablement
   1. Expanded transmission capacity north of Terrace to support major industrial electrification, including developments referenced in federal materials such as Ksi Lisims LNG and critical minerals activity in the Golden Triangle.
2. Community reliability and access
   1. Strengthened backbone infrastructure that supports service resilience and cleaner growth outcomes for remote and regional communities.
3. Emissions reduction potential
   1. Government estimates for the full NCTL programme cite avoided emissions of approximately 2 to 3 million tonnes annually once operational.
4. Economic and fiscal impacts
   1. Provincial estimates for the full programme cite thousands of direct jobs and ongoing public revenue generation, alongside the creation of a long-term clean energy industrial corridor.

Schedule and delivery pathway (Phase 3)

Phase 3 is described as being in the planning stage, and a detailed, phase-specific schedule is not presented alongside published in-service targets for Phases 1 and 2. Provincial materials indicate construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 for the overall programme, with phased completion targeted between 2032 and 2034, while Phase 3 planning continues and additional improvements beyond Terrace are considered.

Implementation considerations and risk management

Key considerations

• Corridor and route selection across complex terrain and sensitive environments
• Access planning and construction logistics in remote areas
• Permitting and regulatory sequencing across multiple jurisdictions
• Stakeholder and rights-holder engagement timelines and incorporation of feedback
• Alignment with parallel corridor initiatives and customer readiness for interconnection

Mitigation approach

• Segment-based planning to manage complexity and support phased delivery
• Early option analysis, field studies, and corridor alignment where feasible
• Structured engagement plans to integrate community priorities and minimise impacts
• Clear interconnection readiness criteria and staged capacity planning to align infrastructure with confirmed demand

What success looks like for Phase 3

• A clearly defined corridor and preliminary route developed through meaningful engagement and transparent planning
• A phased delivery concept that enables practical construction sequencing and timely connection of advanced customer loads
• Tangible reliability and access improvements north of Terrace, aligned with clean growth objectives
• Readiness to support wider northward corridor opportunities, including potential complementarities with Yukon to B.C. Grid Connect

Sources with direct links:

• Government of Canada, Major Projects Office, second tranche of projects under consideration (includes NCTL description, status, and enabling role)
  https://www.canada.ca/en/one-canadian-economy/news/2025/11/major-projects-office-second-tranche-of-projects-under-consideration.html
• BC Hydro, North Coast electrification and economic development (programme overview and Phase 3 description, including two segment approach and corridor considerations)
  https://www.bchydro.com/energy-in-bc/projects/north-coast-bc-electrification.html
• Government of British Columbia, release outlining three phases and Phase 3 distance and scope (north of Terrace to Aiyanish and Bob Quinn Lake)
  https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECS0044-001032
• BC Hydro, North Coast electrification project map (PDF, includes Phase 3 area and planning notation)
  https://www.bchydro.com/content/dam/BCHydro/customer-portal/graphics/maps/north-coast-electrification-project-map-full-size.pdf
• Government of Yukon, Yukon to British Columbia Grid Connect project overview (linked corridor concept)
  https://yukon.ca/en/yukon-british-columbia-grid-connect-project