Williams Lake Power Plant Saved from Closure, Securing Local Jobs

The Williams Lake community is breathing a sigh of relief after B.C. Hydro and Atlantic Power Corporation reached a deal to keep the Northwest Energy biomass power plant running, securing 30 local jobs and maintaining a critical source of renewable energy.

The plant, which has operated since 1993, burns wood waste, sawmill fibre, and logging debris to generate power. It had planned to shut down in January 2025, citing an unsustainable fibre supply due to forestry industry struggles and increasing competition from pellet plants.

Mayor Hails a “Big Relief” for Workers

The potential closure would have had serious economic impacts on Williams Lake, as the plant is the city’s largest single taxpayer, contributing $1.7 million annually.

Mayor Surinderpal Rathor expressed relief and gratitude for the new agreement.

"[Workers] are very happy. They can plan their life now ... they know they will be going back to work tomorrow," he said.

The deal also supports local First Nations, including Tŝideldel First Nation and Williams Lake First Nation, while advancing B.C.’s clean energy goals.

A Vital Energy Source for B.C.

The plant produces 66 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 52,000 homes.

Under the new agreement, Atlantic Power’s contract with B.C. Hydro will be extended until 2029, allowing for new strategies to secure a stable fuel supply.

The B.C. government previously acknowledged that forestry mill closures have had cascading effects on facilities like Northwest Energy, which rely on wood waste. However, it has also invested in projects to increase the availability of residual fibre for pulp mills, pellet plants, and power plants.

With the deal now in place, Williams Lake residents and workers can move forward without the looming uncertainty of job losses and economic disruption.