BC Hydro Announces $200 Million Investment for Newell Substation Upgrades in Burnaby

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BC Hydro is set to invest $200 million to modernize the Newell Substation in Burnaby, enhancing infrastructure that has supported the region for nearly 70 years.

In a significant move to enhance electrical infrastructure, BC Hydro has declared a $200 million investment aimed at modernizing and expanding the Newell Substation, which has been a vital component of Burnaby’s power supply for close to seven decades. Originally constructed between 1946 and 1955, the substation is now set for upgrades that will increase its capacity to cater to approximately 15,000 additional customers. A statement from BC Hydro emphasized the necessity of this project, noting, "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." The Newell Substation is intricately connected with other substations in the region, including Barnard, New Westminster, and Como Lake, and plays a crucial role in supplying the 60-kilovolt network that services Burnaby and New Westminster. It is also instrumental in providing power to Simon Fraser University and various industrial clients in North Burnaby. Key aspects of the modernization project encompass replacing the outdated outdoor feeder section with a new feeder building, installing a new transformer to substitute aging equipment, and upgrading critical electrical infrastructure throughout the facility. Most construction activities are slated to take place within the existing substation grounds; however, some work will extend along Kingsway and Griffiths Drive to facilitate the installation of new underground distribution systems. The completion of the construction is anticipated by 2031. This initiative is part of BC Hydro’s extensive investment strategy aimed at enhancing Burnaby's electrical framework. The utility company is concurrently working on several other major projects, including: the Horne Payne Substation expansion, which aims to modernize infrastructure and increase capacity to serve between 10,000 to 17,500 homes by 2027; the Lougheed Substation expansion, expected to boost capacity for approximately 20,000 to 35,000 homes by 2029; and the Barnard Substation expansion, which will add enough capacity to accommodate between 18,000 to 30,000 homes by 2029 while also reinforcing reliability for over 40,000 existing customers.

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