The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) is urging the BC government and BC Hydro to negotiate a new deal to keep the Williams Lake Power Plant (WLPP) operational. The biomass-fueled plant, which has been generating power since 1993, is a significant contributor to the local economy and provides steady employment for 30 people and an additional 100 local jobs. The plant’s closure would have significant economic and environmental impacts, as it is the largest taxpayer in Williams Lake, contributing $1.7 million in annual tax revenue.
The plant is also a crucial component of the province’s clean energy goals, as it converts waste biomass into clean energy, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it plays a vital role in wildfire mitigation by utilizing waste biomass instead of releasing it into the environment.
CRD Board Chair Margo Wagner emphasized that the plant’s closure would harm both the local economy and the province’s environment. Local officials are advocating for an agreement between Atlantic Power and BC Hydro to avoid disrupting the plant’s operations. Without a new deal, the facility could be forced to close as early as late 2025 due to rising operational costs and limited wood waste supplies.
The CRD is seeking a swift resolution to address the uncertainty surrounding the plant’s future and ensure its continued operation. The Williams Lake Power Plant is a critical piece of the region’s energy infrastructure, and its closure would have far-reaching consequences for the local community and the environment.