The tunnel contractor commenced drilling of the 4 kilometre tunnel April 18, 2001. The tunnel is a complex undertaking and will take approximately 12 months to complete. While the tunnel is being driven, construction of the powerhouse, intake and transmission interconnection will also move forward. Design of the headpond, weir and intake is complete and out for bid.
Site works including roads, penstock grading and clearing is essentially complete.
Electricity generation from the project will be sufficient to provide power to approximately 20,000 homes. It is anticipated that the power could be sold into Alberta or the Pacific northwestern states. As both these markets are short of capacity, the pricing is very attractive. Canadian Hydro and Great Lakes Power are committed to the concept of low-impact power generation. At The Electricity Forum News Page Copyright 2001, The Electricity Forum.