Save Atlantic Power Williams Lake: Support the Local Economy and Green Energy

 

We call on B.C. Premier David Eby and Ministers Ravi Parmar (Forests), Adrian Dix (Energy), and Tamara Davidson (Environment) to immediately renegotiate the Atlantic Power Williams Lake Plant contract. Secure local jobs and boost clean energy in British Columbia!

 

The Atlantic Power Williams Lake plant has been operating since 1993, producing enough biomass-generated energy for 50,000 homes. The Williams Lake plant creates power out of wood waste fibre from the sawmill and logging industries.

 

Instead of this wood waste being burned in slash piles or left on the ground to rot, it is used by Atlantic Power to generate clean energy and mitigate wildfire risk. 

 

Atlantic Power is the single largest taxpayer in the city of Williams Lake, B.C. – providing $1.7 million in tax revenue each year – and it directly and indirectly employs approximately 130 community members.

 

But the local economy of Williams Lake and the green energy industry of B.C. are at risk

 

Atlantic Power must therefore renegotiate its contract with BC Hydro. This process has dragged on for months and there is currently no end in sight.

 

Atlantic Power may be forced to cease operations later this year. 

 

It is mind-boggling that British Columbia imports 25% of its electricity from elsewhere (at a cost of $1.38 billion) when the power we generate in-house is cleaner. The U.S. power we are importing is largely sourced from burning fossil fuels.

 

The Cariboo Regional District Board released a statement on Feb. 4, 2025 calling on the government to finalize a revised deal for Atlantic Power. We echo this call.

 

B.C. Premier David Eby and Ministers Ravi Parmar (Forests), Adrian Dix (Energy), and Tamara Davidson (Environment) – it’s time to settle this once and for all. 

 

We call on the Premier and Ministers to meet with BC Hydro board chair Glen Clark and the leadership of Atlantic Power at the absolute earliest opportunity and sort out Atlantic Power’s contract. The company’s staff, the community at-large, and the residents of Cariboo-Chilcotin deserve to be reassured about the opportunities, quality of life, and future they have in this province.