BC Hydro's Site C hydroelectric dam is now fully operational with the successful commissioning of the sixth and final generating unit.
With all six generating units now in service, Site C can produce more than 1,100 megawatts of electricity — enough to reliably power about 500,000 homes per year. The additional capacity boosts BC Hydro’s total electricity supply by approximately eight per cent, supporting the province’s growing demand for clean energy and improving overall grid reliability.
“The commission of Site C’s final generating unit is another step forward to securing BC’s clean energy future,” said Energy Minister Adrian Dix, in a statement issued by BC Hydro. “I extend my sincere appreciation to the thousands of people who worked on Site C over the past decade — because of your work, generations of British Columbians will benefit from reliable and affordable clean electricity.”
Construction of the Site C dam began in 2015. The first generating unit came online in October 2024, with the remaining five units brought into service over the following 10 months. Key infrastructure — including the earthfill dam, powerhouse, spillways, approach channel, substation and the transmission connection to the provincial grid — continues to perform well, BC Hydro said.
“Bringing the final generating unit online is a proud moment for everyone at BC Hydro,” said Charlotte Mitha, the Crown corporation’s president and CEO. “Site C represents years of dedication, innovation, collaboration and overcoming challenges. Now that Site C is in full operation, it will serve our customers for the next 100 years and play a critical role in ensuring a stable and reliable electricity system.”
With electricity generation fully underway, the remaining construction work will focus on completing the powerhouse and generating station, finishing paving on access roads, conducting final equipment commissioning and addressing any deficiencies. BC Hydro crews are also continuing to backfill the tunnels used to divert the Peace River and to re-vegetate areas no longer required for construction.
Despite the project reaching this milestone, public access to the Site C reservoir remains closed. BC Hydro is urging people to stay away from the water and surrounding slopes due to ongoing hazards. Risks include floating vegetation debris and land along the shoreline that is still stabilizing.
The utility said the new public boat launches will only open once the reservoir is deemed safe — which is expected no earlier than spring 2026.
