The power line is the new paper. The plant completion print is still June
The Squamish Chief reported that on September 15, BC Hydro and Woodfibre LNG notified Brackendale property owners, neighbours, and local governments that the 500 kV step-down option discussed in 2015 will not be advanced. Jason Macnaughton's BC Hydro note said the job continues as announced in January 2026: a new overhead line in the existing right of way through Brackendale, between Cheekye Substation and the Woodfibre site.
The joint letter said Woodfibre cut expected electrical load by about 60 megawatts after design and liquefaction changes. BC Hydro said the current request can be met on the existing 138 kV system, but a second line is still required for long-term reliability. The new line will run at 138 kV and be built to a 230 kV standard. A 500 kV substation would cost about two to three times more and add about two years or more, which the letter said would miss Woodfibre's required in-service timeline of fall 2030 for that interconnection. Geotechnical fieldwork in Brackendale could start this fall. An information meeting is set for October 14.
Woodfibre remains 70 percent Pacific Energy and 30 percent Enbridge Inc. (TSX: ENB, NYSE: ENB). Enbridge has not posted this letter. The last public completion print is still Luke Schauerte's June 12 remark that the 2.1 million-tonne plant was 65 percent built, with startup targeted for 2027. The fall 2030 date in this week's letter is the Hydro interconnection obligation, not a new Enbridge cargo date. This is not Ksi Lisims and it is not Cedar.