Work begins on massive North Coast Transmission Line

Key Takeaways:

• Construction has officially begun on Phase 1 of the North Coast Transmission Line, consisting of a 165-kilometre, 500-kV transmission line from Prince George to Fraser Lake.
• Funded through a $3.9-billion federal-provincial agreement, the project offers up to 50% equity co-ownership to local First Nations.
• The grid expansion will more than double clean power availability to supply LNG export terminals, critical mineral developments, and regional industrial projects.

The Whole Story:

The Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia have officially broken ground on Phase 1 of the North Coast Transmission Line (NCTL), launching construction on a major grid expansion that will more than double clean electricity capacity along B.C.’s West Coast.

Phase 1 focuses on a 165-kilometre, 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line running from the Williston Substation near Prince George to the Glenannan Substation near Fraser Lake. Once fully completed, the expanded corridor will connect Prince George to Terrace, unlocking clean power for industrial projects across the region—including the Ksi Lisims LNG export facility and critical mineral developments in the Golden Triangle.

The project is backed by a $3.9-billion joint funding commitment under the Canada–British Columbia Cooperative Prosperity Agreement signed in July 2026, alongside an earlier $139.5-million pre-construction loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Additionally, participating First Nations along the route have the opportunity to hold up to 50 percent equity co-ownership in the new transmission asset.

“Canadians and our allies are looking for a strong grid, critical minerals, LNG and more — and none of that is possible without affordable power,” said Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “The North Coast Transmission Line will deliver the clean electricity needed to unlock B.C.’s world-class deposits, power new processing facilities and secure Canada’s role as a trusted global supplier.”

B.C. Premier David Eby emphasized the strategic economic impact of the project: “In a time of global uncertainty, British Columbia is focused on what we can control here at home: diversifying our trading partners and building critical infrastructure to make our province the economic engine of a stronger Canada. The North Coast Transmission Line is a generational project that will power clean growth and deliver thousands of jobs for families across B.C.”

Lheidli T’enneh First Nation Chief Dolleen Logan welcomed the Indigenous partnership framework, noting: “Today represents a new beginning for our region, our shared economy and our shared alignment of values that move strong economy-building projects forward… Today marks the commencement of powering our future.”

Phase 1 is targeted for completion by 2030, with Phase 2 extending the 500-kV line to Terrace by 2032. Project estimates project that the expanded corridor will generate nearly $10 billion in annual economic activity, create up to 10,000 jobs, and reduce carbon emissions by up to three million tonnes per year.