BC Hydro expands battery storage and EV charging

In June 2026 a news piece revisited a 2016, 11‑hour power outage that BC Hydro imposed on the Cowichan Lake district to upgrade a transmission line. Local merchants said the timing hurt summer sales and expressed frustration, while a regional economic summit drew provincial officials.

In July 2026 BC Hydro announced its first utility‑scale battery energy‑storage system for the Cowichan Valley. The 100 MW facility will be built at a North Cowichan substation on Bell McKinnon Road near Duncan, with an operational target of 2030. BC Hydro President Charlotte Mitha said the plant will help ensure reliable power for customers, and Energy Minister Adrian Dix framed it as part of a strategic plan for affordable, clean electricity. MLA Debra Toporowski welcomed the reliability and economic benefits, and Clean Energy BC’s Stephen Rayner noted the province has identified up to 500 MW of additional battery‑storage potential.

A day after unveiling the battery hub, BC Hydro revealed a $700‑million plan to triple its public electric‑vehicle charging network by 2035. The rollout will add about 3,500 new ports, bringing the total of BC Hydro‑operated chargers to roughly 4,400, with fast‑charging units of 200 kW and ultra‑fast units of 400 kW at high‑traffic locations. The combined battery and EV‑charging initiatives are presented as ways to strengthen British Columbia’s electricity system, support electrification, and generate economic opportunities for local businesses and First Nations partners.