FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG project approved by BCUC

Key Takeaways:

• The B.C. Utilities Commission has approved FortisBC’s Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion project, with construction expected to begin as early as 2027 following an environmental assessment decision anticipated in 2026.
• The expansion will replace the existing facility with a modern installation to strengthen the reliability of B.C.’s natural gas supply during peak demand and system disruptions caused by events such as extreme weather.
• The project is part of the larger Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion and involves collaboration with the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band, reflecting FortisBC’s commitment to energy resiliency and Indigenous partnership in shaping B.C.’s energy future.

The Whole Story:

FortisBC Energy Inc. has received approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission for its proposed Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion project, which will replace the existing facility with a modern installation to maintain natural gas supply during peak demand and system disruptions.

Construction is expected to start as early as 2027. The project is also undergoing environmental assessment through the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office, with a decision expected as early as 2026.

The existing Tilbury LNG facility produces and stores liquefied natural gas for use during peak demand periods and serves as a backup source during supply disruptions in the Lower Mainland’s gas system. The expansion will ensure FortisBC can continue providing reliable energy services to customers during potential system disruptions due to extreme weather, the company said in a news release.

FortisBC filed its application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity in December 2020. The BCUC subsequently requested additional analysis. In October 2024, FortisBC filed supplemental evidence addressing the commission’s comments, leading to this approval.

The Tilbury Phase 2 LNG Expansion Project, which includes the storage expansion, began its environmental assessment process in 2019 and continues progressing through the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office.

In 2022, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Indian Band and FortisBC signed an agreement to work in close collaboration on developing the LNG facility.

“Projects like the Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion project are essential to strengthen the resiliency of B.C.’s energy system. This investment is critical to FortisBC’s efforts to continue to play an important role in B.C.’s energy future,” said Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC.

FortisBC Energy Inc. is a regulated utility serving approximately 1.1 million customers across British Columbia. The company employs around 2,160 British Columbians and operates two liquefied natural gas storage facilities and approximately 51,700 kilometres of gas transmission and distribution lines. FortisBC is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc.