Province urged to take action as Williams Lake power plant closure nears

The North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA) is calling on the BC government to secure a stable electricity supply by enhancing support for independent power producers.

In a Feb. 21 letter to Adrian Dix, the provincial minister of Energy and Climate Solutions, NCLGA gave two recommendations to support a sustainable and diversified power supply in BC.

The first recommendation, described as a short-term measure, is to adjust rates for BC Hydro to better reflect current market conditions.

The second recommendation, characterized as a long-term solution, is to increase provincial support in a way which would improve access to wood fibre supply.

The organization’s letter emphasizes the need to support independent power producers, especially those relying on wood fibre whose operation costs are growing in the face of a diminishing wood supply.

Among these producers is Atlantic Power, which announced one year ago it would close its Williams Lake location in 2025 as operations were no longer profitable under its current contract with BC Hydro.

“For the past year, the City has worked with the Province to find a workable solution,” said Surinderpal Rathor, mayor of Williams Lake. “The NCLGA’s support highlights the importance of this issue not just for Williams Lake but for all of Northern BC”

On Feb. 18, Minister Dix called for talks between Atlantic Power and BC Hydro, though this has yet to produce any outcomes.

Atlantic Power is the largest single taxpayer in Williams Lake, employing about 30 full-time personnel directly and through contractors.

NCLGA represents more than 240 elected officials from 42 local First Nations governments across North Central BC The organization joins a growing number of organizations and government officials supporting and advocating for the plant’s continued operation including the Cariboo Regional District, the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce and Williams Lake First Nation.