BCUC approves FortisBC’s $1.14 billion Tilbury LNG expansion in Delta to boost storage capacity, reliability, and energy security by 2030.
BCUC Greenlights Major LNG Expansion in Delta
The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) has officially approved FortisBC’s application to expand its Tilbury liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage facility in Delta. The decision, announced Monday afternoon (Oct. 27), follows a months-long transparent review process that included eight interveners and submissions from residents across the province.
Expansion Aims to Strengthen Energy Reliability
In its decision, the BCUC found the project necessary to ensure FortisBC can continue to meet rising peak-day energy demands. The existing 56-year-old storage tank, with a 0.6-billion-cubic-foot capacity, will be replaced by a modern 3-billion-cubic-foot tank. Regulators also cited the need to reduce FortisBC’s dependence on a single third-party pipeline that supplies about 85 per cent of its natural gas.
Project Details and Capacity Upgrades
The approved expansion includes construction of the new storage tank, demolition of the existing above-ground tank and liquefaction facilities, and installation of regasification equipment capable of handling 800 million cubic feet per day. Two-thirds of the tank’s capacity will be reserved for emergencies, while the remaining portion will serve customer demand during high-use periods.
Location and Construction Timeline
Located at FortisBC’s Tilbury site in Delta, the expansion is estimated to cost $1.14 billion. Construction is set to take six years, with the facility expected to be operational by 2030. The BCUC emphasized that the approval was issued under Section 45 of the Utilities Commission Act, which requires utilities to obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity before beginning major construction.
Impact on Customers and Future Costs
During the construction period, FortisBC customers will see a gradual rate increase averaging 1.78 per cent annually in the delivery portion of their bills. However, the BCUC noted that once complete, the expanded facility is expected to reduce reliance on external gas storage and delivery systems — lowering long-term costs for consumers.
Conditions and Oversight
FortisBC confirmed that the new tank will serve only its natural gas customers and will not be used for marine fueling or export. Any change in use would require additional BCUC approval. The commission stated that these conditions ensure the project’s focus remains on domestic energy reliability and customer protection.
Strengthening B.C.’s Energy Security
The Tilbury LNG Storage Expansion Project represents a major step in improving energy resilience for British Columbia. By providing critical backup capacity and modern infrastructure, the project aims to safeguard the province’s gas supply against disruptions while supporting growing residential and industrial demand through the next decade.
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