A memorandum of understanding has been signed to secure a “major customer” for the proposed North Coast Transmission Line.
BC Hydro and Ksi Lisims LNG signed the memorandum of understanding Tuesday (Jan. 20) that is meant to provide clarity on how and when the Crown corporation will deliver as much as 600 megawatts of clean electricity to the proposed floating LNG facility of Nisga’a Treaty Lands.
Energy Minister Adrian Dix was joined by BC Hydro CEO Charlotte Mitha and Nisga’a Nation president Eva Clayton in Prince George for the signing. Mitha said the signing was “a step to securing a strong and major customer for the North Coast Transmission Line.”
Ksi Lisims LNG, the province says, is expected to attract nearly $30 billion in investment, create thousands of skilled careers and strengthen Canada’s position as a global LNG exporter. It’s required to be net-zero ready by 2030.
Once it’s connected to BC Hydro’s clean-electricity grid, the release says it will produce LNG with net-zero emissions, “giving B.C. a competitive advantage over other jurisdictions by supplying reliable, lower-carbon energy to its customers.”
Clayton said Tuesday’s signing is a “critical step” in connecting Ksi Lisims to BC Hydro’s clean-electricity grid.
“It gives us the clarity that we need to continue to advance our project toward producing the world’s lowest emission LNG, while reflecting the Nisga’a Nation’s commitment to development that protects our environment and creating lasting benefits for the Nisga’a Nation and other nations and communities in the region.”
The memorandum of understanding is also meant to help Ksi Lisims LNG move toward a final investment decision, according to a news release from the government. Which, in turn, reaffirms the need for the North Coast Transmission Line.
The Energy Ministry says B.C.’s North Coast region is experiencing “rapid expansion” in mining, critical minerals, LNG, ports and technology. The demand for electricity is now exceeding the capacity of the existing 500-kilovolt transmission line that runs 450 kilometres between Prince George and Terrace.
As a result, BC Hydro is advancing the North Coast Transmission Line to meet the demand.
“Ksi Lisims LNG is a significant customer, and their commitment builds on the strong interest and support we’re seeing from other customers who are also moving forward with plans to connect to the line,” Mitha said “This investment will deliver the clean electricity needed to power major industries, expand trade and strengthen communities across the north coast.”
The North Coast Transmission Line is expected to power major projects that the Energy Ministry says will create approximately 9,700 direct full-time jobs, contribute nearly $10 billion per year to gross domestic product and generate approximately $950 million annually in public revenues for the province and municipal governments.
Both Ksi Lisims LNG and the North Coast Transmission Line have been identified by the federal government as “nationally significant.” In November 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced while in Terrace that the two were some of the latest projects slated for fast-tracking by his government’s new Major Projects Office.
B.C.’s Energy Ministry says the next major steps for the transmission project includes awarding the clearing and access contract for Phase 1, obtaining the required permits and regulatory approvals and a final investment decision for BC Hydro’s board of directors.
Construction is expected to start in summer 2026, with a phased completion targeted for 2030.