Williams Lake

The Atlantic Power Williams Lake Project (APWL) is a 66 MW biomass-fired generating facility located in Williams Lake, in south-central British Columbia. The Project commenced commercial operations in April 1993. Atlantic Power indirectly owns 100% of the Project and also operates and manages the Project. Biomass fuel consists of wood waste from sawmill operations and roadside logging debris, which is sourced under short-term supply agreements with various suppliers.

The original Electricity Purchase Agreement (EPA) with BC Hydro expired in April 2018. In September 2019, APWL executed a new ten-year EPA with BC Hydro that became effective on October 1, 2019.

Under the new EPA, APWL receives a fixed price per megawatt-hour for energy produced. This price escalates annually with the British Columbia CPI. The EPA does not provide for a capacity payment and the energy payment structure does not include a fuel cost passthrough.

The plant offers numerous benefits, serving as a crucial element in the BC Interior forestry industry and the Caribou Region's economic cluster. By converting unmerchantable wood into carbon-neutral energy, the plant prevents the environmentally harmful practices of landfilling and open-air burning, reduces local forest fire risks, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. As a renewable energy source, biomass supports forestry jobs, including logging, trucking, milling, and various local spin-off jobs. The plant plays an essential role in the integrated supply chains of pulp and paper, lumber, and panel mills, contributing significantly to the local economy through property taxes, payroll, job creation, and annual donations.

2019 Annual Report Authorization 8808

2020 Annual Report Authorization 8808

2021 Annual Report Authorization 8808

2022 Annual Report Authorization 8808

2023 Annual Report Authorization 8808