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Site C Dam Now Fully Operational After Final Turbine Activation

Ancillary works on access roads, equipment commissioning, reservoir stabilization run through spring 2026 before the reservoir opens

Overview

  • The sixth and final generating unit was commissioned in August 2025, marking Site C’s transition to full operational status after initial power production began in October 2024.
  • The dam now delivers 1,100 MW of clean electricity—enough for roughly 500,000 homes—and boosts BC Hydro’s total supply by about eight percent.
  • Project costs reached $16 billion, nearly double the original $8.8 billion budget, making Site C B.C.’s most expensive infrastructure undertaking.
  • BC Hydro forecasts the facility will serve customers for the next century and play a critical role in advancing the province’s long-term clean energy strategy.
  • Remaining tasks, including road paving, final equipment commissioning and environmental stabilization, are scheduled through spring 2026 before reservoir access is allowed.