Interior Transmission System Upgrades
We’re planning work on our natural gas system at a number of locations throughout the interior of British Columbia as part of our Interior Transmission System Upgrades project. Similar to our Coastal Transmission System Upgrades project, this work will further enhance the safety and reliability of the system we use to supply natural gas to more than 195,000 homes and businesses. Much of our work throughout Interior BC will take place at rural locations and will have minimal impact on residents and businesses.
Why we're upgrading these gas lines
Our Interior Transmission System includes more than 700 kilometres of gas lines and facilities that move gas throughout BC’s southern interior to communities in the West Kootenay, Okanagan Valley and South Thompson Valley. These lines have an excellent record for both safety and reliability because of the ongoing maintenance work we conduct.
The work planned as part of the Interior Transmission System Upgrades project will enhance our ability to monitor the condition of our lines by allowing us to use new, advanced inspection tools. We will build on our already robust inspection and maintenance activities, increasing our safety standards so we can continue providing reliable service to customers for decades to come.
Construction overview
We’ll be replacing sections of our gas lines and upgrading facilities to allow us to use new inspection tools in our Interior Transmission System. This work will take place at 16 locations on and near existing FortisBC rights of way and facilities in B.C.’s interior.
Some work may impact nearby roads and paths. We will work directly with stakeholders, Indigenous groups, and nearby homes and businesses to identify and minimize disruptions.
Construction locations
Project timelines and next steps
In September 2022 we filed a project application with our regulator, the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC), and received approval in January 2024. Work will take place in 2025-2026 and baseline inspections will start in 2026.
We're in the early planning stages of this project and continuing to engage with local municipalities, Indigenous communities, landowners and local residents. We will continue to provide engagement opportunities throughout the project and can be contacted directly at [email protected].
2021
Engagement began
September 2022
BCUC application filed
We filed our project application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity with the BCUC. View our application.
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January 2024
Received BCUC approval
Our regulator, the BCUC, approved our application for a Certificate of Public Necessity and Convenience for the project
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2025-2026
Construction
2026+
Gas line inspections complete
January 15, 2024
Project receives BCUC approval
September 20, 2022
Project application filed
September 30, 2021
Engagement underway to support project planning
What is the purpose of the Interior Transmission System Upgrades project?
Answered on:
Sep 30, 2021
Our commitment
We believe serving the community is a privilege. That’s why we’re committed to engaging with Indigenous groups, local communities and other stakeholders as we move forward with planning for the Interior Transmission System Upgrades. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Work is planned for the following communities:
- City of Penticton
- City of Vernon
- Regional District of Central Kootenay
- Regional District of Kootenay Boundary
- Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen
- Regional District of Thompson-Nicola
- Town of Oliver
- Town of Princeton
- Township of Spallumcheen
Regulatory process
On January 5, 2024 we received an approval of our application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from our regulator the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC).