Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 real estate development industry is facing major uncertainty as FortisBC warns it may not be able to guarantee power for new projects in the coming years.
91裸聊视频淚n recent weeks, several developers have been informed that power cannot be assured for projects until 2027 to 2029,91裸聊视频� states an Urban Development Institute (UDI) media release. 91裸聊视频淲ithout a reliable electricity supply, development in the region is at risk of stalling, with some projects potentially being abandoned altogether.91裸聊视频�
UDI chair Dave Sargent told Black Press Media that while the organization has been working with FortisBC on the issue for some time, the situation remains unclear.
91裸聊视频淲hat we91裸聊视频檙e being told right now is temporary construction power can be provided,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淏ut certainty on a date as to when a project could be energized is up in the air right now. We wanted to ensure people are aware that there is a potential issue in the short-term91裸聊视频攖he next two to three years is our understanding.91裸聊视频�
Sargent noted that FortisBC is upgrading resources in some areas of the city. 91裸聊视频淏ut we aren91裸聊视频檛 sure when those upgrades are coming and how to plan in the interim,91裸聊视频� he said.
One of UDI91裸聊视频檚 biggest concerns is potential development in the area served by the Saucier substation, which includes Kelowna General Hospital and the city91裸聊视频檚 central core.
91裸聊视频淭he implications that come with that are if you were to build a building today, would some of those substation issues be resolved by the time the building is done? That91裸聊视频檚 a significant risk.91裸聊视频�
Sargent added that UDI has faced frustration when trying to determine how much power FortisBC can provide for a project.
91裸聊视频淢aybe we can change our heating system,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淢aybe we can make a difference in the envelope of the building to reduce the energy91裸聊视频攁nd not being able to get an answer to that.91裸聊视频�
Gary Toft, senior advisor for corporate communications with FortisBC, acknowledged the concerns and said the company is working to address them as quickly as possible.
91裸聊视频淎s power providers across North America are expanding their electricity systems, FortisBC is seeing an increase in the amount of time it takes to receive important equipment and supplies, such as transformers, breakers, specialized equipment and new technology,91裸聊视频� Toft said.
He noted that a transformer for a substation that once took a year could now take up to three years for delivery.
91裸聊视频淔ortisBC has taken action to help mitigate delays wherever possible, including purchasing and pre-ordering these key materials and equipment,91裸聊视频� Toft said.
In 2024, FortisBC requested approval from the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) to upgrade substations in Kelowna and several smaller communities, as well as transmission lines serving the South Okanagan. A decision is expected this spring.
Toft added that the company continues to work with the development community and the City of Kelowna on requests for large buildings with significant and concentrated electricity demand to ensure they can be connected as quickly as possible.
He pointed out that over the past five years, 91裸聊视频渃lose to 6,000 families and businesses have been connected to electricity service, and nearly 8,000 multi-unit homes and businesses will be connected in the future.91裸聊视频�
The UDI media release acknowledged FortisBC91裸聊视频檚 commitment to invest $157 million in new electricity infrastructure projects but stated it is 91裸聊视频渘either sufficient nor timely to accommodate Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 rapid population growth.91裸聊视频�
Ian Grannary, an electrical engineer, UDI board member, and principal with Smith + Andersen in Kelowna, helps coordinate the energizing of projects with FortisBC.
91裸聊视频淲here I think they91裸聊视频檝e seen issues is with some of the smaller buildings,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淭he 50 or 80 units. If they can91裸聊视频檛 get power for two or three years that does impact their schedule.91裸聊视频�
Grannary said he is aware of at least one development in the city that has run into power availability issues. He also pointed to other factors affecting electricity demand.
91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 the provincial government changing the building code to decarbonize and use less natural gas, which drives the electrical load up,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淭he City of Kelowna requires us to put energized stalls (EV) into every parking space for a condo and 25 per cent for a rental building. So FortisBC has to allow for all that day one.91裸聊视频�
Sargent stressed that two-to-three-year delays are serious and must be addressed.
91裸聊视频淚f you can91裸聊视频檛 guarantee power to these sites, most people won91裸聊视频檛 move forward with the project in the interim.91裸聊视频�
He noted that stalled or abandoned projects could affect Kelowna91裸聊视频檚 housing targets as determined by the province.
91裸聊视频淭he reason for that is because the areas identified are areas that would be looking to have additional density.91裸聊视频�
UDI plans to meet with local Conservative MLAs Kristian Loewen and Gavin Dew to relay their concerns, as well as reach out to city council before approaching the provincial government.
Sargent said discussions with FortisBC are ongoing.
91裸聊视频淭he communication continues,91裸聊视频� he said. 91裸聊视频淩eally what this was about was to ensure that anyone looking to do a project in these areas is keenly aware of the issue.91裸聊视频�
