During the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, Premier David Eby announced BC Hydro’s new 10-Year Capital Plan. Changes include almost $36 billion in community and regional infrastructure investments across the province, representing a major addition from BC Hydro’s previous capital plan of $24 billion and includes a significant increase in electrification and emissions-reduction infrastructure projects. 

“We must expand our electrical system like never before, to power industrial development, to power our homes and businesses, to power our future,” said Premier David Eby. “Clean, affordable energy will help us meet that opportunity, while reducing pollution, securing good-paying jobs and creating new opportunities for our growing economy.”

Examples of actions under the new plan include:

• building new high-voltage transmission lines and supporting infrastructure from Prince George to Terrace to meet industrial customer demand in the north coast area, including in the mining sector;
• building or expanding substations and installing new equipment to support residential housing growth and transit electrification in high-growth areas across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island; and
• upgrading B.C.’s dams and generating facilities to make them safer, more reliable and more efficient.

Local 258 IBEW Business Manager-Financial Secretary, Cody Gatzke: “IBEW is the right choice to answer the BC Hydro Call for Power and to provide the skilled workforce required to undertake the electrification of British Columbia. We pride ourselves on being the best, and IBEW offers the highest quality electrical apprenticeships. By prioritizing B.C. based contractors in partnership with local communities, we not only ensure top-notch expertise but also provide well-paying union jobs for British Columbians.”

The increase to BC Hydro’s 10-Year Capital Plan reflects a demand for electricity that we haven't seen since the 1960s and 1970s. If you are looking for a rewarding career in the electrical industry, now is the time to apply for membership or unionize your workplace.

Skilled labour is a scarce resource in this competitive economy and if your business wants to attract the best, make the right choice and become a signatory IBEW 258 employer. Our skilled labour workforce consists of Power Line Technicians, Electricians, Cable Splicers, Power Plant Operators, Carpenters, Machinists, Millwrights, CPC Technologists, Motor Winders, Heavy Duty Mechanics, Storekeepers, Crane and Equipment Operators, Certified Utility Arborists, Electrical Manufacturing Workers, and much more. 

Connecting Communities is what IBEW 258 does best. We advocate for the funding of local projects that benefit local communities, that are completed by local contractors, and that employ local workers. We are looking to partner with local municipalities, local indigenous bands, and local workers. We don't provide jobs, we provide careers. Excellence is our mandate. Check out the IBEW Code of Excellence.

If you are a first nation band, utility, independent power producer, electrical contractor, manufacturer, or industry association, please click here to set up a free consultation meeting.

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