The British Columbia Utilities Commission has issued a regulation under the authority of section 45(4) of the Utilities Commission Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 473. This regulation pertains specifically to the upgrade and expansion of two diesel generating stations located in the northern communities of Kwadacha and Tsay Keh Dene. Known as the Kwadacha Station and Tsay Keh Dene Station Regulation, this order formally exempts certain infrastructure projects from standard regulatory oversight as outlined in section 45(1) of the Act.

In this regulation, the term “Act” refers to the Utilities Commission Act. The regulation identifies two specific projects: the “KWA Station extension” and the “TKD Station extension.” The KWA Station extension involves the upgrade and expansion of the existing Kwadacha Diesel Generating Station, with the primary goal of increasing its firm energy capacity by approximately 750 kilowatts. This project also includes related works and equipment necessary for the improvement, such as installations that will allow for the strategic placement of a spare generator to ensure redundancy and reliability in power delivery. Similarly, the TKD Station extension refers to the upgrade and expansion of the Tsay Keh Dene Diesel Generating Station, which aims to increase its firm capacity by approximately 1,200 kilowatts.

The regulation’s core provision is the exclusion of these two station extensions from section 45(1) of the Act. Section 45(1) generally requires public utilities to obtain the approval of the British Columbia Utilities Commission before constructing or expanding energy infrastructure. However, in this case, the Commission has determined that the extensions at Kwadacha and Tsay Keh Dene do not require such approval and are therefore exempt. This exemption likely reflects the recognition of the projects’ importance in meeting the unique and urgent energy needs of these remote Indigenous communities. By bypassing the usual regulatory processes, the Province facilitates a more expedited and efficient implementation of these energy upgrades, which are essential for ensuring stable and sustainable power supply in the North.

This regulatory move is particularly significant because it demonstrates a tailored approach to infrastructure development in underserved and remote areas, where the logistical and administrative burdens of conventional regulatory requirements could delay necessary improvements. By streamlining the regulatory process, the government supports community resilience and development while still maintaining the integrity of public oversight through targeted exemptions.

In conclusion, the Kwadacha Station and Tsay Keh Dene Station Regulation is a focused legislative action that acknowledges the need for timely and responsive energy infrastructure development in northern British Columbia. By formally excluding the planned upgrades to the Kwadacha and Tsay Keh Dene Diesel Generating Stations from the operation of section 45(1) of the Utilities Commission Act, the regulation removes potential administrative delays and facilitates critical improvements.

British Columbia (52/2025) April 16, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.