To meet the growing demand for electricity in Squamish and the surrounding area, BC Hydro has upgraded its Cheakamus substation, which is located 12 kilometres north of downtown Squamish.
The approximate $7-million upgrade increases the capacity of the substation by about eight times, according to BC Hydro.
“This substation upgrade will ensure we can continue to provide reliable power to the community,” Greg Reimer, the executive vice-president of transmission and distribution for BC Hydro, told The Squamish Chief by email.
A new transformer has been installed at the substation. The transformer converts high voltage power to a lower voltage so it can be delivered to homes and businesses, according to BC Hydro.
“The new transformer increases the overall capacity of the substation so we are able to deal with the existing load constraints on the system and prepare for future growth,” said Reimer.
“The upgrade is just one example of the kind of work we are currently doing on the electricity system in all corners of the province. Electricity demand will continue to increase and we need to ensure power is there when British Columbians need it.”
Work on the substation began in May, and Hydro customers were switched from a temporary diesel generator to the new transformer in mid-January.
