Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty is adding his voice and calling on Premier Eby to save the Atlantic Power biomass plant in Williams Lake.
"If BC Hydro doesn’t increase the rates they pay, the plant will be forced to shut down," Doherty said in a news release.
Atlantic Power Corporation is the largest corporate taxpayer in Williams Lake, contributing approximately $1.8 million in combined taxes and utilities annually.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, Jan 28, city council agreed to pursue a meeting with BC Hydro's board chair Glen Clark.
Council plans to question the Province and BC Hydro on "a lack of progress in negotiating a new energy purchase agreement with Atlantic Power Corporation’s Williams Lake plant, particularly in light of the recent tariff threat from the U.S," noted a news release from the city.
Mayor Surinderpal Rathor said it is critical an agreement is reached soon to allow Atlantic Power Corporation to continue to operate after the company filed a notice of closure last winter.
Rathor said Friday, Jan.31, he spoke to Premier Eby this week over the phone about the situation.
"He told me he is working on it," Rathor told the Tribune. "I also spoke to the union and they have extended the contract for another three months."
During Tuesday’s meeting, council said it is in the process of scheduling a meeting with BC Hydro Board Chair Glen Clark to attempt to expedite a solution and Rathor said that is still in the works, but nothing has been confirmed.
"I'm hopeful," Rathor added.
Doherty said the Atlantic Power plant has been a key contributor to the local economy and B.C.'s renewable energy sector for years, generating approximately 66 megawatts of electricity annually—enough to power roughly 50,000 homes.
"Moreover, the plant has partnered with several First Nations and supports over 150 local jobs, helping families put food on the table."
Atlantic Power's plant burns wood waste to produce electricity, and prior to its construction, much of this wood waste was simply burned in beehive burners, creating smoke and environmental damage with no energy benefit, Doherty noted.
"The biomass plant’s operations helped solve this issue, converting waste into clean, renewable energy. “If the province doesn’t act quickly, this closure will have a devastating impact on our local communities, which have already been decimated by the Provincial and Federal governments’ failure to protect and promote B.C.’s natural resource sector," Doherty said.
On Monday, Feb. 3, the Williams Lake and District Chamber of Commerce reiterated its call for action.
Urging the provincial government to demonstrate leadership in safeguarding jobs and industry in Williams Lake, the chamber urged for “immediate intervention is essential to ensure the continued operation of this vital facility.”
The Cariboo Regional District board added its voice Tuesday, Feb. 4, also asking for a solution.
Rising costs to transport wood waste from farther away, declining waste wood volumes from local mills, and a threatened timber supply are all translating into higher costs to operate the WLPP, noted a CRD news release, adding while Atlantic Power has an agreement with BC Hydro until October 2029, failing to revise it could close the WLPP doors as early as late 2025. “The impact in Williams Lake and surrounding area will be devastating to local services and to everyone who chooses to live, work, and play in the Cariboo,” said Melynda Neufeld, vice-chair of the CRD and a long-time resident of Williams Lake.
