We received a fairly generic and basic reply from BC Hydro that does not actually give us much information so I have asked more detailed questions.
Here is the answer from BC Hydro as to why they are not choosing a different interconnect, specifically the Mica Creek 500kV line. After that is what I sent them as follow up questions.
From: Susan Edgell (she/her) | Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
Community Relations
Thank-you for your patience in regard to your question about BC Hydro’s decision to supply power to the proposed Yellowhead mine from the Hundred Mile House substation. My colleagues at BC Hydro have weighed in and their answer is below.
BC Hydro has performed a conceptual review of the 500kV option from Mica Creek. Supplying Taseko Mine the power it needs to operate the proposed Yellowhead Mine from the Mica 500kV line would require an extensive amount of time, resources and financial investment that have been determined as too prohibitive. That is why powering the mine from the Hundred Mile House substation is the only viable option.
I hope this information helps Mat, best for now,
Susan
A fairly generic and vague answer that would likely not be questioned by most but here is my reply:
Thank you for the information provided but our communities feel that information is insufficient and we have further questions for your colleagues.
What is the cost to put in a sub-station off the 500kV line beside the capacitor station (or in another more convenient area) vs the required upgrades to the 100 Mile House sub-station to accommodate the increased demand?Has this cost been presented to the
Taseko Mining Corporation for them to compare what it will cost them? The path from 100 Mile House is approximately 110km, where as the path from Mica Creek capacitor station is around 60-70km.
In addition to a shorter path, the MC route avoids private lands where as the 100 Mile route interacts with multiple communities.
Have the additional costs factored in the huge community opposition and potential legal costs that either (or both) BC Hydro and Taseko Mining will incur if this is pursued further?
Let's see what comes back.