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 PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
BRITISH   COLUMBIA
POWER COMMISSION
FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31st
1947
VICTORIA,  B.C. :
Printed by Don McDiarmid, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.  To His Honour Charles Arthur Banks, C.M.G.,
Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of British Columbia.
May it please Your Honour :
The undersigned has the honour to present the Annual Report of the British
Columbia Power Commission for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 1947.
JOHN HART,
Premier.
Victoria, B.C. The Honourable John Hart,
Premier, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, B.C.
Sir,—The Annual Report of the British Columbia Power Commission, covering the
fiscal year 1946-47, is respectfully submitted herewith in accordance with section 93 of
the " Electric Power Act."
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servants,
F. L. SHAW,
Commissioner.
W. W. FOSTER,
Commissioner.
S. R. WESTON,
Chairman.
Victoria, B.C.,
June 20th, 19U7. TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Section. Page
I. General Review—
1. Improvement of the Supply and Availability of Power     7
2. Increase in the Number of Power Districts and Consumers     8
3. Enlargement of the Undertaking     8
4. Rural Electrification     9
II. Legal—
1. Legislation  10
2. Regulations  10
3. Acquisition of Properties  10
4. Rights-of-way and Sites  11
5. Values and Compensation—Expropriated Properties  11
6. Contracts  12
7. Water Licences  12
8. Insurance  12
III. Construction—
1. Production Plant  13
2. Transmission Plant  15
3. Distribution Plant  16
IV. Operation—
1. Production :  19
2. Transmission  21
3. Distribution  22
V. Surveys and Investigations—
1. Power Projects  26
2. Transmission Projects  26
3. Distribution Projects  26
VI. Financial  27
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Campbell River Dam   Facing    6
7
14
15
19
25
Shuswap Falls Generating Station.
Campbell River Power-house	
Campbell River Intake Structure.___
132-kv Transmission-line Tower	
Panoramic View of Campbell River Project	
Map of British Columbia, showing Commission's Activities After 31   Shuswap Falls Generating Station, near Vernon. Second Annual Report of the British Columbia Power
Commission, Fiscal Year ended March 31st, 1947.
I. GENERAL REVIEW.
The British Columbia Power Commission was appointed April 17th, 1945, under
the provisions of the " Electric Power Act " and has therefore completed its first full
year's operation. Its First Annual Report, to March 31st, 1946, reviewed the preliminary steps taken to organize the undertaking as an operating utility in accordance
with the Act and outlined three early objectives, namely:—
(1) Improvement of the supply and availability of power in the first areas of
operation.
(2) Increase, as rapidly as possible, in the number of power districts and
consumers.
(3) Enlargement of the entire undertaking as an efficient self-supporting
public service.
This Annual Report, for the year ended March 31st, 1947, indicates the progress
made during the year toward those objectives.
1. IMPROVEMENT OF THE SUPPLY AND AVAILABILITY OF POWER.
The first major undertaking of the Commission in the field of power production
and transmission plant is the Campbell River power-development and 132-kv transmission system from the Campbell River plant to Nanaimo and Port Alberni. Delayed
delivery of materials and equipment made it impossible to meet the original schedule
which provided for the first generating unit, of 25,000 kva capacity, to be in operation
in April, 1947; it is now anticipated that it will be ready for operation in the early
fall of 1947. A second 25,000-kva unit will be completed a few months later. Two
more similar units have been placed on order for installation early in 1949. The contract has been awarded for the construction of Ladore Falls storage-dam, which will
impound within Campbell Lake sufficient reserve to regulate the water-supply for
100,000 kva installed capacity. The erection of the transmission-lines to Nanaimo and
Port Alberni is in progress. Provision is thus being made on Vancouver Island for a
supply of power which should prove adequate for some time to come. On the Island
the Commission already serves directly 11,858 consumers and is at present dependent
upon limited power purchased from four sources.
Further progress was made in planning an adequate power-supply for the Okanagan and Kamloops areas, where the Commission now supplies 8,579 consumers from
four plants—two hydro, one steam, and one Diesel.
The requirements of 2,593 other consumers in ten power districts presently served
by the Commission also received attention. These ten districts are supplied from ten
Diesel and two small hydro-electric plants acquired from predecessor companies. One
new Diesel plant of two units was built to Commission standard and was placed in
operation in Smithers. New plants are being installed at Alert Bay, Golden, Quesnel,
Terrace, and Vanderhoof. The generating plants at Hope, Nakusp, Sechelt, and Williams Lake were all increased in capacity by temporary installation of additional
machines.
7 F 8 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
The distribution systems in sixteen power districts were surveyed and plans were
approved for their rehabilitation and extension to new customers. Considerable reconstruction was carried out in the larger districts.
The progress of all new work and reconstruction was retarded by the continuing
scarcity of line materials and equipment.
During the year 50,951,849 kwh were generated or purchased as compared with
32,780,000 kwh during eight months of operation in the previous year.
While adequate production, transmission, and distribution plants are essential to
improvement of the supply and availability of power, the rates at which energy is
obtainable by the ultimate consumer are equally important. As adequate production
plant became available, rates were revised with due regard to the equalization of
revenue and cost as required by the " Electric Power Act." Promotional rates were
applied in Hope, Peachland-Westbank, Sechelt, and Smithers Power Districts and will
be made available in other districts as soon as adequate plant is provided and the compensation for expropriated properties is finally determined.
2. INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF POWER DISTRICTS
AND CONSUMERS.
During the year the number of power districts was increased from twelve to sixteen through the acquisition of electric operations in Alberni, Port Alberni, Kamloops,
Peachland-Westbank, and Royston. The operation in the Parksville-Qualicum area
was also acquired and added to the Nanaimo-Duncan-Saltspring Power District.
The number of consumers served by the Commission increased by 8,928, from
14,102 to 23,030. The increase was made up by the addition of 1,777 new services and
7,151 customers formerly served by systems acquired during the year. In the eight
months ended March 31st, 1946, 832 new services were installed. The Commission has,
therefore, actually installed 2,609 new services since it began operation in 1945.
The power actually sold during the year was 43,713,830 kwh; in eight months of
operation during the preceding year 29,572,259 kwh were sold.
3. ENLARGEMENT OF THE UNDERTAKING.
In less than two years the Commission has taken over the complete electrical plant
and operations of ten utility companies and one municipality. It has acquired from
another company its operation in one area. At March 31st it was serving 23,030 consumers and during the year added 150 new services per month, the majority of which
were in rural areas.
Other opportunities for improving electrical service, by taking into the system
other small operations and by expanding the various distribution systems into new
territory, have been examined. Several projects are in varying stages of preparation
and will be the subjects of recommendations in the near future.
The operations of the Commission comprise three essential functions: first, the
production or generation of power; second, the transmission of power from generating
plant to suitable distribution points; and third, the distribution and sale of power
to the ultimate consumer. Three distinct types of capital plant, required for these
respective functions, must either be acquired from former owners or constructed anew.
It is therefore necessary to provide such services as Legal, Engineering and Construction, and Financial and Accounting. Concurrently with the development of plant
facilities, progress was made in the organization of these services. Where plant has
been acquired, the operating personnel have, almost without exception, transferred
their services to the Commission. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 9
With a view to the development of an efficient organization under stable conditions
of employment the Commission inaugurated during the year joint contributory plans
for:—
(1) Medical services and hospitalization:
(2) Group life insurance; and
(3) Superannuation.
During March, 1947, labour contracts for the ensuing three years were completed
with Locals 821 and B.213 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers,
certified bargaining agents for the Commission's employees in the North Okanagan
and Kamloops areas respectively, and in the same month an agreement was also entered
into with Local B.213 covering the employees affected in other power districts on the
Mainland. These agreements, applicable to approximately two-thirds of the total operating and construction personnel of the Commission, provided a general increase in the
wage scale effective April 1st, 1947; and in the case of the North Okanagan and Kamloops areas, further progressive increases April 1st, 1948 and 1949.
Acknowledgment is made of the loyal services of workers in every branch of
the organization. They are developing the whole undertaking into an efficient self-
supporting public service.
4. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION.
As is noted in the Final Report of the Rural Electrification Committee, as of
January, 1945, rural electrification is an outgrowth of the central-station industry.
Before service can be made available, there must be generating capacity to meet the
demand; the first step in a rural electrification program is logically the provision of
adequate central-station equipment. To this end the Commission has made plans and
has carried out certain construction-work as discussed in detail elsewhere in this report.
This type of work, based on long-range planning, cannot be carried to completion in
one or two seasons. Fabrication and delivery of generating equipment alone requires
a period as great as two years. The construction-work now envisaged as to production
plant, upon which a start has been made, will provide certain of the necessary central
stations from which rural areas can, in the next few years, be electrified.
Despite the fact that central stations, as taken over by the Commission, were of
inadequate capacity, extension of service from small centres into rural areas has been
carried out to the limit of material available. The progress in this direction has been
governed largely by delivery, and full use has been made of material as it became
available. F 10 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT.'
II. LEGAL.
1. LEGISLATION.
The " Electric Power Act Amendment Act, 1947," enacting certain amendments
to the " Electric Power Act," was assented to on April 3rd, 1947. The amendment
makes provision:—
(a)   Governing the Commission's authority to sell power to or purchase power
from a corporation operating a power plant primarily for an industry
carried on by it.
(6)  Extending the Commission's power to establish and maintain a superannuation plan for its members and employees.
(c) Enlarging from $20,000,000 to $30,000,000 the limits of the Government's
power to borrow money for the purpose of the Act.
(d) Concerning the method by which the Government may raise such moneys.
(e) Clarifying the procedure for determining compensation to be paid for
properties expropriated.
2. REGULATIONS.
The Act authorizes the Commission to make such regulations as are deemed expedient to carry out the purpose of the Act. The following regulations were made during
the year:—
Regulation No. 4—Amending Regulation No. 3, " Safety Rules."
Regulation No. 5—" Rate Schedules." Part I of this regulation, comprising
a general introduction to the subject of rate schedules, and Part II, defining the classifications and conditions of service, is applicable to all power
districts and becomes effective in each district as and when rates for that
district are revised. Part III, setting forth the specific rates in each
power district, was approved for Westbank-Peachland, Hope, Smithers,
and Sechelt Power Districts.
Regulation No. 6—" Superannuation Plan." This regulation provides for the
establishment of a contributory superannuation plan for members and
employees of the Commission basically similar to that provided under the
" Civil Service Superannuation Act." The plan is administered by the
Commissioner under that Act and a Board of three Trustees to be appointed by the Commission—one upon nomination of the Superannuation
Commissioner, one to represent the employees, and one to represent the
Commission.
3. ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES.
A small hydro-electric plant of 62 kva capacity, together with the distribution
system in the Peachland District, was acquired by negotiation August 7th, 1946.
The 320-kva Diesel generating plant and the distribution system of Westside
Utilities was acquired by negotiation August 7th, 1946.
The former Army power-house at Terrace was purchased from War Assets Corporation and will be used to house the new Diesel generating equipment now being
installed.
By Orders in Council approved October 22nd, 1946, the Commission was authorized
to acquire by expropriation the electrical properties of British Columbia Electric Railway Company, Limited, serving Kamloops and vicinity; National Utilities Corporation,
Limited, serving Port Alberni, Alberni, Qualicum, and Parksville areas;  Royston Light REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47.        F 11
and Power Company, Limited, serving Royston. These expropriations were effected
December 30th, 1946. A valuator was appointed by Order in Council and is now
assessing values.
On March 8th, 1947, an Order in Council authorized the Commission to enter into
an agreement with Victoria Lumber Company, Limited, to acquire that company's
distribution plant in and adjacent to Chemainus. This acquisition was effected by
agreement on March 15th, 1947.
The total number of customers served by the foregoing properties as of the
respective acquisition dates was 7,151.
As reported in its First Annual Report the Commission leased from War Assets
Corporation the former United States Army plant at Dawson Creek. This lease contained an option in favour of the Commission to purchase the plant, and notification
was given that, subject to approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council, the option
would be exercised.
4. RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND SITES.
Surveys of land easements required for the transmission-line from Campbell River
to Nanaimo and from Dunsmuir to Port Alberni were completed and plans filed with
the Land Registrar. Application was made to the Crown for Grants of Easement by
way of right-of-way over all Crown lands traversed by this line. Negotiations in
regard to easements required over private property are now under way.
Plans are in preparation to acquire the necessary property at Campbell River for
the erection of dwellings to house the operators who will be employed in the power
plant and to provide a recreational area in connection therewith.
Surveys, and in some instances the purchase, were completed in connection with
four radio-station sites for the ancillary transmission-line communication system
from Campbell River to Nanaimo and Port Alberni.
The sites for substations at Nanaimo and Port Alberni were acquired.
Sites for the new Diesel power stations at Smithers, Vanderhoof, and Golden
were purchased; at Terrace the site of the power-house building above mentioned was
leased from Canadian National Railways.
A site for the new Diesel plant at Alert Bay was acquired by expropriation.
Leases were effected with Pacific Great Eastern Railway Company for enlargements of the power-house sites at Quesnel and Williams Lake.
Title to additional land at Hope was obtained to permit extension of the Diesel
power station.
A survey of the area required for the Dawson Creek power plant was completed,
and negotiations toward the acquisition of this site are now pending.
5. VALUATIONS AND COMPENSATION—EXPROPRIATED
PROPERTIES.
The valuator, The American Appraisal Company, brought in its findings on the
properties of West Canadian Hydro-Electric Corporation, Limited, and its subsidiaries;
Nanaimo-Duncan Utilities, Limited; Columbia Power Company, Limited, and its subsidiary. From these findings the Commission appealed. West Canadian Hydro-Electric
Corporation, Limited, appealed from the findings of compensation for its property.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Wilson was appointed by Order in Council to hear the
appeals, and these appeals are now pending before him.
General Appraisal Company was appointed by Order in Council to determine the
compensation to be paid to British Columbia Electric Railway Company, Limited;
National Utilities Corporation, Limited; and Royston Light and Power Company,
Limited, for properties expropriated as described previously. F 12 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
The matter of compensation for the property expropriated for a power-house site
at Alert Bay is awaiting settlement with the Official Administrator acting for the
heirs of the deceased owner.
6. CONTRACTS.
Apart from the ordinary service contracts, agreements were approved by the Legal
Department for the supply of industrial power in various power districts.
A standard street-lighting contract was designed and progress made in drafting
standard contract forms for the various classifications of service.
Contracts for the erection of the Campbell River transmission-line and for the
construction of Ladore Falls storage-dam on Campbell River were arranged. In addition, numerous contracts for construction-work and supply of plant and equipment
were prepared and executed.
7. WATER LICENCES.
No new water licences were granted to the Commission. The Commission obtained,
however, a licence to flood those lands which will be submerged in the pondage area
above Campbell River head dam.
The Commission recommended to the Water Comptroller that a reserve be placed
upon the water rights and lands required for developing Whatshan power-site, which
is now under investigation as a source of power for the Okanagan-Kamloops area.
8. INSURANCE.
Adequate insurance is carried on the Commission's power plants and equipment
throughout the Province. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 13
III. CONSTRUCTION.
1. PRODUCTION PLANT.
Construction-work went forward, during the 1946-47 fiscal year, on power-production plant as discussed in detail below. The largest project, that at Campbell River,
involves all works associated with a hydro-electric production plant of 50,000 kva
immediate and 150,000 kva ultimate capacity. Smaller projects include the construction at Alert Bay, Golden, Quesnel, Smithers, Terrace, and Vanderhoof of standard
Diesel-electric production plants ranging in capacity from 437.5 kva to 749 kva. Temporary measures to alleviate acute power shortages required certain construction-work
on installation of additional machines and major overhaul of existing machines.
Alert Bay.
The power-house building was completed and three units having a total capacity
of 437.5 kva await installation.
Campbell River.
Progress on the Campbell River hydro-electric development, which was originally
scheduled to go into operation on April 1st, 1947, was delayed by the prevailing shortage
of manufactured materials and equipment. As a result, revision of the original construction schedule was necessary.
The placing of concrete in the main dam is 70 per cent, completed. The steel-
sheet piling in the south earth wing-dam is all driven and the earth fill is 70 per cent,
completed. The north earth wing, which is relatively short, remains to be constructed.
The fabrication of the three steel sluice-gates is in the final stages.
Placing of concrete in the intake structure was started. Sheet piling is being
driven for the south connection of the intake. The regulating valves for this structure are fabricated.
The grade for the pipe-line and penstocks is complete except for a small quantity
of rock excavation.
Fabrication of the wood-stave pipe, 12 feet in diameter, and of the steel pipe and
penstocks is in progress at the manufacturers' plants.
Surge-tank foundations are 50 per cent, completed. The fabrication of the tank
and supporting structure is well advanced at the contractor's factory.
Concrete for the substructure of the power-house and for the two turbine settings
is in place.
Structural steel for the crane and building and parts for the first two turbines with
their unwatering valves are on the site.
All items of generating, transforming, and control equipment are on the site or
well advanced by the respective manufacturers. An experienced expediting firm has
been employed to follow up all phases of manufacturing and shipments.
Equipment to provide a system of wireless communication, frequency modulated,
between the generating station and the terminals at Port Alberni and Nanaimo is on
order and will be installed as part of the project.
It has become apparent that the first two units in this plant, each of 25,000 kva
capacity, will not be sufficient to supply the power demand on the Vancouver Island
system for more than two years, which is the period required for the manufacture and
installation of a new unit. Consequently the third and fourth generators and turbines,
each of 25,000 kva capacity, were ordered and will be installed early in 1949. The
plant's capacity will then be 100,000 kva. F 14 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
A contract was awarded for and preliminary work was commenced on the erection
of a dam at Ladore Falls, below the outlet of Campbell Lake. This dam will provide
sufficient storage to regulate the water-supply for 100,000 kva. It is scheduled for
completion early in 1948.
Golden.
Material for the new power-house is on the site and all machinery and major equipment, totalling 562.5 kva, has been manufactured. As a temporary measure an increase
in generating capacity of 40 kva was made available by the installation of a larger unit
in place of one old unit.
Hope.
The Diesel power-house was extended to house a new unit of 312 kva capacity,
which was installed to supply the rapidly growing demand in the district.
Nakusp.
Alterations were made to the power-house and a Diesel unit of 125 kva capacity
was installed as a temporary measure to supplement the original generating capacity.
Quesnel.
The new power-house building was completed and three units totalling 687.5 kva
await installation. Pending completion of the new plant it was necessary to increase
the capacity of the old generating plant by the addition of two used Diesel units
totalling 112 kva.
Sechelt.
The exterior of the power-house building was completed and painted. A Diesel
unit of 175 kva capacity, acquired with the Nanaimo-Duncan Utilities, Limited, property, which was situated at Duncan but had been out of use for many years, was transferred to and installed in the Sechelt plant.
Shuswap Falls.
Frost-proof casing was erected around No. 2 surge-tank.
A timber structure was constructed over a 50-foot section of No. 2 wood-stave
pipe-line to protect it from falling rocks.
Smithers.
The new Diesel plant was turned over to the operating department on March 17th,
1947. The power-house was designed and constructed to house three of the Commission's standard generating sets.
Two units, of 312 kva and 125 kva capacity, were installed. The third unit ordered
for this plant, of 312 kva capacity, was diverted to Hope and will be replaced in the
near future, at which time the total capacity of the plant will be 749 kva.
Terrace.
A vacant power-house at Terrace, previously used by the Department of National
Defence, was acquired from War Assets Corporation. This permitted cancellation of
plans for constructing a new building. The acquired building met all the Commission's
requirements; it was in good condition, suitably located, and needed but little renovation. There are now in course of installation three standard generating units, one
62.5 kva and two 187.5 kva, total capacity 437.5 kva. b Mm: /
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Vanderhoof.
A new power-house was completed at Vanderhoof and three standard generating
units are in process of installation, one 62.5 kva and two 187.5 kva, total capacity 437.5
kva.
Williams Lake.
After several months' delay in obtaining essential parts for one of the Diesel
engines acquired from Columbia Power Company, occasioned by a work stoppage in
the manufacturer's factory, the 375-kva Diesel unit was finally placed in operation.
This plant now has a total capacity of 475 kva.
2. TRANSMISSION PLANT.
Vancouver Island System.
The right-of-way for the 132-kv transmission-line from Campbell River to Nanaimo,
with a branch from Dunsmuir to Port Alberni, was cleared, and a contract was let for
the erection of the line. The setting of tower footings is 30 per cent, completed.
Failure to receive steel for the towers has been a major contributing factor to the
delay in the organization and progress of this undertaking.
Materials are now being received in sufficient quantity to permit greatly accelerated progress.
Despite investigation of several alternative sites for the Port Alberni substation
it was found necessary to drive some 200 piles before concrete substructures could be
placed. This work is being performed by contract and is well advanced at March 31st,
1947.
The necessary work on the substation at Nanaimo is being done by the Commission's local staff.
All electrical equipment for the transformer stations at Campbell River, Nanaimo,
and Port Alberni is on order and deliveries promised to conform with the general
development program.
In preparation for the delivery of power from Campbell River to Duncan and for
the anticipated increase in power requirements in that area, the conductor on the
60-kv line between Nanaimo and Duncan is being changed from No. 4 copper to No. 2/0
A.C.S.R.    This work is 25 per cent, complete.
Okanagan-Kamloops.
A survey party completed the location for a projected transmission-line to connect
the Kamloops and North Okanagan Power Districts. The boundaries of the necessary
right-of-way easements are now being established and mapped.
A new substation was constructed at Canoe, with a capacity of 600 kva, transforming from 33 kv to 6.9 kv. Provision was made for the installation of three further
transformers, each of 250 kva capacity, transforming from 33 kv or 66 kv to 7.2 kv.
Capacity of Swan Lake substation was increased by 100 kva, Armstrong substation
was increased by 300 kva, and Enderby substation was increased by 100 kva.
All the foregoing increases were made as necessary steps in providing for rural
electrification.
Changes were made in the substations at Lumby, Swan Lake, Armstrong, and
Enderby to permit the installation of metering equipment. Metering cabinets were
installed in the substations at Lavington, Coldstream, Swan Lake, Armstrong, Enderby,
and Salmon Arm. Because of delays in delivery of totalizing meters on order, installations are not yet complete. F 16 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
A 33-kv, 3-wire transmission-line was constructed between Salmon Arm and Canoe,
a distance of 5.2 miles.
3. DISTRIBUTION PLANT.
It has been impossible to meet all the requirements for new power services or to
undertake distribution projects on an area-coverage scale on account of the continued
shortage of line material. By allocation of available material to reach the greatest
possible number of consumers, 1,777 new services were installed during the year. The
great majority of these were in the rural areas served by the Commission.
Preliminary engineering design and layout was completed with regard to the distribution plant of all power districts. The design is to modern standards and provides
capacity sufficient to meet a large increase in consumption of energy on the part of the
individual consumer. It also makes provision for extension of service as each power
district develops.
Materials required to construct new distribution plant and complete the rehabilitation of old were ordered according to the requirements of the preliminary design.
Delivery of material has been slow, but approximately 70 per cent, of immediate
requirements were on site at the end of the fiscal year.
In the larger power districts—Nanaimo-Duncan, Alberni, Port Alberni, North
Okanagan, and Kamloops—construction crews are available for extensions and maintenance. In the other power districts, line-work must be done for the most part by a
transient crew. Early in the fiscal year, availability of material warranted the employment of only one construction crew, which operated during the summer and fall in the
northern power districts. Late in the year, sufficient line material became available to
permit an increase in construction forces. A second crew was therefore formed, and
the two crews worked during the winter in the Sechelt and Hope Districts.
The principal items of distribution-plant construction are detailed below for the
respective power districts.
Alberni Power District.
This district includes Port Alberni, Alberni, and adjacent areas supplied by the
distribution system in the two cities or by extensions thereto. The system was
acquired as of January 1st, 1947, by expropriation from National Utilities Corporation,
Limited. Since that date 1.06 miles of primary line were constructed and sixty-six
new services connected. Several rural line extensions, initiated by the former owners
at the time of acquisition, are under construction.
Alert Bay.
Material is on order and delivered in part for the reconstruction of the distribution
system.    Sixteen new service connections were made.
Golden.
Material was received for the rehabilitation of the distribution system and some
rural extensions. This work is scheduled for 1947 completion. Fourteen new services
were added.
Hope.
On March 31st, 1947, final plans for complete reconstruction of distribution plant
within the Hope municipality were complete and all lines were staked on the ground;
50 per cent, of the digging was done. Further plans were complete and staking was
done on three rural extensions to Lake of the Woods (Schamm Lake), Croft Island, and
Kawkawa Lake.    Seventy-four new service connections were made. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 17
Kamloops.
This distribution plant, with 2,954 connected services, was acquired January 1st,
1947, by expropriation from British Columbia Electric Railway Company. From January 1st to March 31st 126 new customers were connected. Plans are under preparation
for extensive reconstruction of the system and extensions into adjacent rural areas.
Nakusp.
Reconstruction of the distribution system is scheduled for 1947. Twenty-five new
service connections were made during the year.
Nanaimo-Duncan-Saltspring-Parksville-Qualicum.
This extensive power district, formerly referred to as the Vancouver Island Division of the Commission's operations, was increased during the year by the purchase
from Victoria Lumber Company, Limited, of the Chemainus distribution system with
422 connected services and by the expropriation from National Utilities .Corporation,
Limited, of the Parksville-Qualicum system. The former system required a complete
overhaul, which called for increasing the size of conductors, correction of hazardous
corners, replacement of fifty poles, and the addition of transformers.
In the whole power district over 300 poles were replaced during the year; 33.05
miles of primary distribution-lines were constructed, together with the transformers,
secondaries, and services to 723 new customers.
Voltage regulators were installed for the Nanaimo-Townsite-Departure Bay districts. The Duncan substation was rebuilt to increase the capacity from 600 kva to
1,000 kva. The Saltspring Island distribution was converted from 2.3 kv to 4/2.3 kv by
the installation of a fourth wire.
A survey of the Gulf Islands is under way with a view to extension of service to
some of the islands and provision of an alternative line to Saltspring.
North Okanagan.
This large district includes the Cities of Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, and Salmon
Arm, and the Districts of Salmon Arm and Coldstream. It also includes Lumby,
Lavington, Oyama, Canoe, Sicamous, Okanagan Centre, and Okanagan Landing.
Considerable reconstruction was completed preparatory to extension into the rural
areas. This work included revamping of several distribution substations, construction
of 9.4 miles of new primary lines, and the rebuilding of 6.16 miles of primary. A total
of 12.8 miles of new secondary lines was built and 6.1 miles were reconstructed. New
services were installed for a net increase of 483 customers.
Several important areas were surveyed with a view to undertaking rural electrification on an area-coverage basis as soon as sufficient material is obtainable.
Peachland-Westbank.
This power district includes the former distribution systems of Peachland and
Westbank, both of which were purchased by the Commission as of August 7th, 1946.
Since that date 6 miles of 4-wire line were constructed to connect the two plants.
Three-wire primary was extended for 5% miles in the rural area to serve Greata
Ranch, a packing-house, and several residences. A substation of 225 kva capacity was
constructed at the Westbank generating station and one of 75 kva capacity at Peachland
to allow parallel operation of the Diesel plant at Westbank and the small hydro-electric
plant at Peachland.
A new modern street-lighting system was installed in Peachland, comprising sixteen luminaires of 300 watts each and one of 100 watts, controlled by astronomical time
clock. F 18 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT.':
In Westbank 1 mile of 2-wire iron primary was replaced with copper, increasing
the capacity of the line and improving the voltage. Short radial extensions totalling
1 mile were constructed to add fifteen new services.
Three rural extensions comprising 8 miles of line were surveyed and staked and
will be constructed in 1947 to reach some fifty residential consumers, a packing plant,
and a cold-storage plant. These extensions, when completed, will make it possible to
pump water for irrigation of approximately 1,000 acres of land.
Quesnel.
Additional transformer capacity was added as a temporary measure pending complete rebuilding of the Quesnel distribution system, scheduled for the coming summer.
Fifty-two new services were added during the year.
Royston.
The Royston distribution system, serving ninety-three customers, was acquired
January 1st, 1947, by expropriation from Royston Light and Power Company, Limited,
a subsidiary of National Utilities Corporation, Limited. Energy for this district is
purchased at 25 cycles from Canadian Collieries (D.) Limited.
Sechelt.
A fairly ambitious construction and rehabilitation program was undertaken,
utilizing two construction crews. The rapid growth of this district had rendered the
existing 2,300-volt distribution system entirely inadequate. The 3-phase line from the
power-house at Sechelt through Wilson Creek, Roberts Creek, Gibsons Landing, and
Granthams Landing to Hopkins Landing was converted in its entirety to 6,900 volts;
this work involved the construction of two substations. Following this voltage change,
the work of changing to a larger-size conductor and rebuilding the line was undertaken.
This work, at the close of the fiscal year, was 50 per cent, complete, as also was the
construction of five new extensions, totalling 3 miles, to reach approximately 150
potential consumers.
The rapid development in this district is evidenced by the installation of 103 new
services during the year.
Smithers.
A total of 3,600 feet of primary line was completed within the municipality to
tie the new power plant to the distribution system. A start was made on the 11-mile
line from Smithers to Telkwa, on which poles were set over approximately 6 miles.
Twenty-one new service connections were made.
Terrace.
Construction-work was completed within the municipality, the new power plant
was tied in, and a start was made on rural extensions outside the municipality. Total
new construction was approximately 3y2 miles. Thirteen new services were installed
during the year.
Vanderhoof.
During the year eight new service connections were installed. Rehabilitation of
the distribution system is scheduled for 1947.
Williams Lake.
An extension approximately 1 mile long was completed to serve the stockyards,
minor extensions were made within the municipality, and efforts were made, by temporary installation of additional transformers, to alleviate poor voltage and regulation.
During the year thirty-eight new service connections were made.  ftM®^
H"
Campbell River Project.
Steel towers for 132-kv transmission-line. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 19
IV. OPERATION.
The subject of operation is herein treated under the three headings which comprise
the principal functions, namely, production of power, transmission of power from generating plant to distribution centres, and distribution and sale of power to the consumers.
1. PRODUCTION.
As at March 31st, 1947, the Commission was operating seven hydro-electric generating stations containing twelve units, two steam plants containing five units, and
fourteen Diesel plants containing thirty-eight units. Combined in twenty-three generating plants totalling 18,450 kva capacity there are fifty-five units. All these plants,
excepting the one at Smithers, were acquired from former owners. As noted in Part
III of this report, a new plant was built at Smithers and five others are in course of
construction. Temporary installations were made in many stations and considerable
reconstruction in all.
In addition to the power produced by its own equipment, the Commission purchased power from others to the amount of 9,063 kva. The total capacity available to
supply 23,030 consumers was therefore 27,513 kva. For one-third of this the Commission was entirely dependent on the co-operation of Vancouver Island Power Company,
Limited; Victoria Lumber Company, Limited; Bloedel, Stewart & Welch, Limited;
Alberni Pacific Lumber Company, Limited;   and Canadian Collieries   (D.)   Limited.
The tabulation containing data relative to the Commission's generating plants as
of March 31st, 1947, is as follows:—
Generatinc
: Capacity in Kva, as at March 31st, 1947
Diesel.
Hydro.
Steam.
Total.
Plant Location.
Number
of Units.
Capacity
in Kva.
Number
of Units.
Capacity
in Kva.
Number
of Units.
Capacity
in Kva.
Number
of Units.
Capacity
in Kva.
3
2
4
1
1
4
1
5
2
2
2
230
2
1
1
4
1
1
2
3
2
3
2
2
5
3
2
6
1
4
1
6
3
2
2
2
3
4
4
230
1,695
1,695
150
465
150
62
527
2,750
2,750
125
125
1,275
250
1,080
2,355
62
1,335
125
275
475
62
1,335
125
Quesnel	
Sechelt      »                    	
187
100
6,500
462
575
6,500
437
50
437
50
3 152
4 320
4      [         475
152
320
475
Totals, Commission's plant	
38             4,676
12
9,944
5
3,830
55
18,450
* The Smithers plant is a new installation by the Commission. F 20 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT.'
Capacity Available through Purchase of Power.     Kva.
Vancouver Island Power Co., Ltd., at Duncan   6,750
Victoria Lumber Co., Ltd., at Chemainus       500
Bloedel, Stewart & Welch, Ltd., at Port Alberni   1,140
Alberni Pacific Lumber Company, Ltd., at Port Alberni       623
Canadian Collieries (D.) Ltd., at Royston       50
9,063
Total Available Capacity. Kva.
Generating capacity   18,450
Power purchased      9,063
All sources   27,513
Power generated in Commission's Plants.
Plant Location. Kwh output.
Alert Bay   292,246
*Barriere  1,576,994
Golden  178,210
Hope  310,450
*Kamloops  591,820
Nakusp   257,460
Nanaimo  4,648,670
•(•Peachland and Westbank  228,230
*Port Alberni   493,749
Quesnel   565,970
Sechelt  .  377,984
Shuswap Falls   18,239,760
Smithers   319,050
Terrace   67,416
Vanderhoof   153,750
Williams Lake  366,160
Total generated  28,667,919
Power purchased.
Purchased from. Kwh purchased.
Vancouver Island Power Co., Ltd  20,520,000
Victoria Lumber Co., Ltd        785,000
*Bloedel, Stewart & Welch, Ltd       652,400
*Alberni Pacific Lumber Co., Ltd        301,530
*Canadian Collieries  (D.)  Ltd  25,000
Total purchased   22,283,930
Total generated and purchased  50,951,849
* From January 1st, 1947, to March 31st, 1947.
t From August 7th, 1946, to March 31st, 1947. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47.
F 21
Some operating difficulties were experienced with the small hydro units at Hope,
Quesnel, and Sechelt because of ice conditions or sedimentation. Several interruptions
occurred during the winter in the operation of the Barriere hydro plant as a result of
subsidence of the flume supports.
The old Diesel plants acquired with the electrical properties at Alert Bay, Golden,
Hope, Nakusp, Quesnel, Smithers, Vanderhoof, and Williams Lake required very close
attention because of their deteriorated condition. Aside from short-term restrictions
in the service at Alert Bay and at Quesnel the loads were carried, but the margin of
capacity was often very narrow.
A small amount of maintenance-work was required in the Shuswap hydro-electric
plant and the Nanaimo steam and hydro-electric plants. At Shuswap, diving operations
were necessary to clear fallen rocks from the intake.
All old Diesel plants required constant attendance and considerable maintenance.
The wooden flume, 16,000 feet long, supplying water to the Barriere hydro plant
has been a continuous source of trouble since the property was taken over January 1st.
Maintenance was confined to work essential to keep the plant in operation until a more
adequate and dependable source of power can be established.
A new pump for No. 1 governor was installed in the power station.
2. TRANSMISSION.
For the Commission's purposes all lines and transformation equipment of over
23 kv are classified as " transmission "; lines and transformation equipment of 23 kv
or lower are classified as " distribution."
At March 31st the Commission was operating a total of 181.3 circuit miles of
transmission-lines in three systems—Vancouver Island, Barriere-Kamloops, and Okanagan.   The physical and electrical characteristics of these lines are tabulated below:—
Transmission Systems.
Location.
Length.
Voltage.
Type.
Supports.
Conductor.
Number
of
Circuits.
1. Vancouver Island System.
Duncan to Nanaimo	
2. Okanagan System.
Miles.
32.6
42.7
61.0
45.0
Kv.
60
63
33
44
Pin
Pin
Pin
Pin
Wood pole
Wood pole
Wood pole
Wood pole
No. 4 copper
No. 0 and No. 1
copper
No. 0 copper
No. 2/0 ACSR
1
1
Shuswap to Vernon to Salmon Arm to
Canoe	
3. Kamloops System.
1
181.3
For the major portion of their lengths all except the 33-kv lines are on private
rights-of-way which, however, closely parallel public highways and are easily accessible
for inspection.
Routine patrols are carried out, and special patrols are made following storms or
the occurrence of failure.    No unusual operating difficulties developed during the year.
All lines excepting the 63-kv Shuswap-Vernon-Winfield line have reached an age
when pole-stubbing has become an annual requirement.
Experiments were conducted with several types of wood preservative and methods
of application to poles.   This matter will be subject of further study.
During the year 15 miles of right-of-way on Vancouver Island and 7 miles on the
Okanagan system were recleared of underbrush. One hundred and ten poles in the
Okanagan system were stubbed and a few defective insulators were replaced. F 22 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
3. DISTRIBUTION.
On March 31st, 1947, the Commission was supplying electrical service to 23,030
customers in sixteen power districts. It was supplying energy wholesale to the City of
Ladysmith for distribution by the city. Up to December 31st, 1946, power was delivered
at Craig's Crossing for distribution by National Utilities Corporation, Limited, in the
Parksville-Qualicum area.
On August 7th, 1946, the distribution systems in Peachland and Westbank were
acquired by purchase from the District of Peachland and Westside Utilities Limited
respectively.
As of January 1st, 1947, the electrical plant serving the Kamloops area was
acquired from British Columbia Electric Railway Company, Limited; this distribution
system is operated as the Kamloops Power District.
The Alberni Power District was organized to include the distribution systems in
Port Alberni and Alberni, both of which were acquired January 1st, 1947, from
National Utilities Corporation, Limited.
On the same date the Parksville-Qualicum distribution system was acquired from
National Utilities Corporation, Limited, and was incorporated in the Nanaimo-Duncan-
Saltspring Power District.
The distribution in Royston, acquired January 1st, 1947, from Royston Power
and Light Company, Limited, is treated for the time being as the Royston Power
District.
The operating properties acquired during the year served 7,151 connected consumers.
During the year a total of 1,777 new services were installed in all areas of the
Commission's operation. In eight months of the previous fiscal year 832 new services
were installed.
Summarizing, the distribution systems in all sixteen power districts were acquired
from former owners between August 1st, 1945, and January 1st, 1947. The total
number of customers supplied on the respective dates of acquisition was 20,421. The
total number supplied March 31st, 1947, was 23,030, reflecting the addition of 2,609
new services under the Commission's operation.
The tabulation on the immediately following page summarizes for each power
district the extent of primary distribution-lines, the number of consumers, and the
kilowatt-hours delivered to consumers. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 23
Primary Distribution Mileage, Number of Consumers, and
Power sold.
Circuit Mile
of Primary
Distribution,
March 31st,
1946.
Number of Consumers.
Power District.
At March
31st, 1946.
Acquired
from other
Utilities.
From New
Services
in the year.
At March
31st, 1947.
Kwh sold.
Albernis	
47.1
3.2
6.8
6.3
51.1
13.9
470.6
233.7
17.3
10.8
0.7
23.5
9.2
2.2
4.2
4.0
*
174
163
247
*
256
7,160
4,713
+
306
*
398
318
84
119
164
2,877
66
16
14
74
126
25
723
483
15
52
2,943
190
177
321
3,080
281
8,822
5,196
303
358
93
501
339
97
127
202
1,252,164
249,300
Golden	
151,900
281,076
2,954
2,007,472
130,900
939t
21,519,199
14,886,905
288
199,348
453,268
93
21,247
292,859
232,758
59,200
129,285
292 589
Sechelt      	
103
21
13
8
38
Totals	
904.6
14,102
7,151
1,777
23,030
42,159,470
* Operation acquired January 1st, 19
17.
iquired Januai
46.
Add power supplied J
y            City of Ladysmit
or resale—
h 	
1,096,800
1st,  1947.
457,560
TOTAL   KWH   SOLD   ..
% Operation acquired August 7th, 19
43,713,830
As man-power and materials became available, an accelerated program of maintenance was undertaken in the larger power districts. This work included as major
items the replacement of poles, stubbing of poles, reclearing growth under rural lines,
replacement of overloaded conductor with larger sizes, and improvement of distribution substations to permit expansion into rural areas.
In the Okanagan Power District 145 distribution-poles were stubbed and in the
Nanaimo-Duncan District 285. In the latter area 27 miles of line along public highways were recleared.
The roof of the Vernon warehouse, the old Diesel power-house, was renewed.
Routine inspection of distribution transformers has not as yet been completely
organized; nevertheless many of the larger transformers were inspected, with particular attention to the condition of the oil.
Steps were taken to inaugurate systematic inspection of rubber gloves. No
reliable and regular inspection system existed previously.
In the smaller power districts, repair-work was limited to broken or damaged
equipment, a policy deemed expedient in view of the comprehensive reconstruction
program now in progress.
A new policy respecting the maintenance of meters in small power districts was
adopted; all meters called in for the routine reverification required by the Department
of Trade and Commerce now pass through a central depot where adequate servicing
and repair is carried out. Previously such meters were replaced in service without
adequate internal inspection or cleaning.
During the fiscal year the first step toward a complete revision of rates throughout
the Commission's undertakings was achieved by the adoption of Regulation No. 5,
entitled " Rate Schedules."    This regulation was printed in book form and will become F 24
" ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
applicable in all districts as the investment in old and new plants is determined and as
increased plant capacity and distribution systems are installed to take care of the
growth in load anticipated from the promotional rates provided thereby.
Provision has been made for a rate structure for each of the following types of
service: residential, commercial, summer, power, irrigation, primary power, and street-
lighting. Regulation No. 5 was prepared in such a way as to permit variation of
rates for each classification of service with retention of the established structure.
In the same way rates may be revised from time to time with retention of the same
general form.
For all service classifications the new schedules place particular emphasis on the
maximum rate at which each customer can demand energy rather than merely on the
consumption actually recorded. Small customers with a good load factor are thus able
to obtain energy for the same unit price as larger consumers with the same load factor.
One feature of the new structure, as it becomes applicable in various districts, will
be the gradual abolition of the many " nuisance charges " embodied in the rate structures which were inherited by the Commission in taking over its miscellaneous small
operations. Among the present charges which will disappear may be mentioned the
following:—
(a)  All monthly meter rentals.
(&)  All service charges for residential and commercial service.
(c) All connection charges where special contracts are not required.
(d) All reconnection charges except where previous disconnection was made
because of non-payment.
(e) All surcharges on unpaid bills;  a uniform discount of 10 per cent, will be
allowed on all bills paid by the due date.
The salient features of the schedules for the different service classifications are
shown in the following table:—
Service Classification.
Minimum
Demand
in Kw.
Size of
Blocks in Kwh per Month
per Kw of Demand.
Block I.
Block II.
Block III.
2
2
2
4
50
20
30
50*
50
50
60
60
150*
50
50
Commercial	
Summer	
Power	
Primary power	
Balance
Balance
Balance
Balance
* For summer service the size of block shown above is for the season rather than the monthly period.
All monthly bills are subject to a prompt-payment discount of 10 per cent.
Revised rate schedules first became applicable in the Westbank-Peachland Power
District. Before the end of the fiscal year Hope, Sechelt, and Smithers were also
operating under Regulation No. 5. Depending on the load factor, the result of the
revised rates has been reductions in monthly bills averaging 30 per cent, and extending
to 50 per cent, in some instances.   REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47.
F 25
In summary form the new rates thus far adopted are portrayed below as they
affect the ordinary residence:—
Power District.
Block I
(First 20 Kwh
per Month per
Kw of Demand).
Block II
(Next 60 Kwh
per Month per
Kw of Demand).
Block III
(Balance of
Monthly
Consumption).
Monthly
Minimum
per Kw of
Demand.
10c.
12c.
10c.
10c.
2%c.
2y2c.
2%c.
2%C.
§ioc.
yioc.
%oc
910C
$1.00
Sechelt	
1.00
1.00
1.00
Similar information for summer service (applicable during the five-month period
from May 1st to September 30th) is contained in the following:—
Power District.
Annual Fixed
Charge per
Kw of Demand.
Block I
(First 50 Kwh
per Season per
Kw of Demand).
Block II
(Next 150 Kwh
per Season per
Kw of Demand).
Block III
(Balance of
Seasonal
Consumption).
$6.00 plus
6.00 plus
6.00 plus
6.00 plus
10c.
12c.
10c.
10c.
2%c.
2%e.
2y2c.
2%c
y2c.
Sechelt	
%c.
Hope	
y2c.
For each of the above service classifications the minimum demand is 2 kw and the
regular 10 per cent, discount is applicable.
At the present time the following uniform rates exist in each of the districts
mentioned above:—
Classification of Service.
Service
Charge
per Kw.
Block I.
Block II.
Block III.
Minimum
Charge
per Kw.
Nil
$1.00
.85
12c.
3c.
3c.
4c.
iy2c.
y2c.
y2c.
y2c.
$1.00
1.00
.85
Rate revisions will shortly be made in Alert Bay, Golden, Quesnel, Terrace, Vanderhoof, and Williams Lake Power Districts. When the compensation to be paid for the
expropriated properties on Vancouver Island, in Okanagan and Kamloops, etc., has been
determined, further research-work toward a similar rate structure in those areas served
will be carried out. F 26 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
V. SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATIONS.
1. POWER PROJECTS.
Two field parties, which were engaged during the fiscal year ended March 31st,
1946, on the location of property-lines for right-of-way easements on the transmission-
line from Campbell River to Nanaimo and from Dunsmuir to Alberni, completed this
work during the 1946-47 fiscal year. A third party made topographic and property
surveys of the areas to be flooded by the Campbell River head dam and also by the
storage-dam at Ladore Falls.
Detailed surveys, preliminary designs, and estimates were prepared for a small
power-development in the vicinity of Hope on Silver Creek. It is proposed to install
one of the units now in the Nanaimo hydro-electric plant which will be closed down
when power from Campbell River becomes available.
Surveys, preliminary designs, and estimates have also been completed covering
potential hydro-electric developments at Cayoosh Creek for Lillooet and vicinity, Stein
River for Lytton, and Kicking Horse River for Golden and vicinity. Pending more
definite development of load requirements at Golden a standard Diesel plant is being
installed.
Further consideration was given to the problem of adequate power-supply for the
Okanagan District. The acquisition of the Kamloops operation on January 1st, 1947,
increased the urgency of the situation because of the increase in consumers affected,
but at the same time made the problem easier of solution. While the Commission
became responsible for a supply of power to over 3,000 additional consumers, the potential market for power was approximately doubled. Thus the establishment of a fairly
large power-generating plant became economically feasible. Surveys were resumed
with a view to a power-development at Whatshan. Concurrently other possible sources
of adequate power-supply for the Kamloops-Okanagan area are being investigated in
order that the most economical choice may be made.
2. TRANSMISSION  PROJECTS.
A location survey was completed for a high-tension transmission-line from Kamloops to Vernon, and the final location of property-lines and right-of-way easements
for this transmission-line is now in progress.
Diversity in load demands between the Kamloops and Vernon systems will permit
more complete use of existing power-generating facilities when the two systems are
interconnected. This transmission-line is being considered with a view also to possible
future extension to a proposed new power-generating station at Whatshan Lake, near
Needles on Arrow Lake.
The plans of the Campbell River-Nanaimo-Alberni transmission-line, showing
right-of-way easements required, were completed and filed with the Land Registrar.
3. DISTRIBUTION PROJECTS.
Surveys were made during the year to determine the feasibility and cost of electrical distribution in the following communities: Armstrong District, Burns Lake,
Fort Fraser-Fraser Lake-Endako, Lillooet, Merritt, Oyama-Woods Lake-Carr's Landing,
Texada Island, Vancouver Island between Qualicum and Campbell River, Wells-
Barkerville.
A final report on the Oyama-Woods Lake-Carr's Landing survey was completed and
will be given early consideration as a rural electrification project covering an extensive
area.
Preliminary reports, containing data which will be useful as the program expands,
were received on the other surveys indicated above. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47.        F 27
Requests for investigations in many other sections of the Province were received
and will be dealt with during 1947.
Preliminary engineering studies of a sub-transmission system for the East Coast
of Vancouver Island will be continued to determine the best method for delivering
Campbell River power in that area.
Surveys were begun relative to a supply of 60-cycle power in Courtenay-Cumber-
land area as and when it may be required.    This work has not been completed.
VI. FINANCIAL.
In the introduction to this section of the report for the fiscal year ended March
31st, 1946, note was made of the fact that because the compensation for certain properties acquired by the Commission was undetermined the actual amount of the investment
in each undertaking, and the net earnings after provision for interest and sinking fund
payments, could not be indicated.   This condition still prevails.
The financial position for the year ended March 31st, 1947, is, however, described
upon an interim balance-sheet, No. 1, with supplementary statements Nos. 2 and 3 and
the auditor's comments thereon.
Legislative authority has been given the Government of British Columbia to borrow
and advance to the Commission the sum of $30,000,000—of this sum $9,161,350 has
been received. The " Electric Power Act " provides for the repayment of advances,
interest, and charges through an amortized schedule. Upon completion of the fiscal
year under review the Government submitted a statement of moneys due, and payment
has been made.
As noted in Section IV of this report, there is a growing demand for power, which,
together with the general expansion of the Commission's operations, has provided
steadily increasing revenues, the present income meeting all costs of operation, maintenance, and interest requirements. This increase, however, is offset by higher costs of
operation due to wage increases, improved conditions of employment, and advances in
prices of material.
Statement No. 2 shows a revenue total of $1,411,834.52, with operating expenses
$1,010,197.31, indicating a surplus of $401,637.21 prior to provision of interest and
sinking fund in respect of capital investments. It is estimated that interest and
sinking fund on investments in revenue-producing properties is $290,250, leaving a net
surplus of $111,387.21.
Statement No. 3 provides a locational distribution of the capital additions to
operating plants in the amount of $1,464,403.28 appearing in the interim balance-sheet. F 28
ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
INTERIM BALANCE-SHEET,
Assets.
Fixed Assets—
Property and plant expropriated, for which compensation is in process of determination
by valuators appointed under provisions of the " Electric Power Act "—
Nanaimo-Duncan Utilities Ltd. A
West Canadian Hydro-Electric Corp., Ltd.
Hope Utilities, Ltd.
Quesnel Light & Water Co., Ltd.
Pacific Power & Water Co., Ltd. (Alert Bay)
Columbia Power Co., Ltd.
Columbia-Vanderhoof Power Co., Ltd.
British Columbia Electric Railway Co., Ltd.
Kamloops plant
National Utilities Corp., Ltd.
Royston Light & Power Co., Ltd.
Capital expenditure by Power Commission on various projects—
Campbell River development—
Generating plant  $2,648,196.83
Transmission-line       1,373,939.44
Ladore Falls dam  .  70,079.07
Valuations in process of arbitration or appraisal, as at March
31st, 1947.
Additions to operating plants—
Generating units 	
Transmission-lines   	
Distribution systems 	
Transportation equipment
Tools and general 	
Surveys and investigations 	
Preliminary expenses not yet distributed-
Organization and general 	
Payments on account of acquired properties—
Expropriated properties—
Nanaimo-Duncan Utilities  Ltd. 	
West Canadian Hydro-Electric Corp., Ltd. ...
Columbia Power Co., Ltd. 	
British Columbia Electric Railway Co., Ltd.,
Kamloops plant	
National Utilities Corp., Ltd. 	
Royston Light & Power Co., Ltd. 	
Current assets—
Cash in banks 	
Customers' light and power accounts
Inventories of stores and supplies 	
Unexpired insurance, etc. 	
$4,092,215.34
$678,624.47
7,404.74
652,812.02
70,697.74
54,864.31
  $123,119.86
Expropriations and appraisals       37,841.10
Interest and charges on advances      213,263.60
$1,105,000.00
294,650.00
60,000.00
650,000.00
340,000.00
10,000.00
,464,403.28
44,534.09
374,224.56
$5,975,377.27
Other acquisitions—
Westside Utilities, Ltd.   $45,807.17
Municipality of Peachland   9,655.80
Victoria Lumber & Manufacturing Co., Ltd.   18,985.00
2,459,650.00
74,447.97
.... $1,661,708.88
201,968.79
310,678.58
32,564.28
2,206,920.53
$10,716,395.77 REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47. F 29
AS AT MARCH 31st, 1947. Statement 1.
Liabilities.
Advances from the Government of the Province of British Columbia   $9,161,350.00
Sundry liabilities—
Accounts payable :...        302,629.39
Customers' deposits  81,553.68
Balance in respect of book values of current assets taken over, Zess current
liabilities assumed for account of expropriated properties         113,108.86
Reserves—
Renewals and replacements {less write-offs)    238,687.49
Provision for gross revenue taxes   44,864.46
Employees' pension plan  ■.  38,833.78
Customers' contributions to new work   4,511.39
Operating surplus—
Operating revenues, less direct expenses, provisions for renewals, replacements, and gross revenue taxes—
August 1st, 1945, to March 31st, 1946   $329,219.51
April 1st, 1946, to March 31st, 1947      401,637.21       *730,856.72
$10,716,395.77
* Available for stabilization reserve, interest, and sinking fund.
The Chairman and Commissioners,
British Columbia Power Commission,
Victoria, B.C.
Gentlemen,—We have made an examination of the books and accounts of the British
Columbia Power Commission for the year ended March 31st, 1947, and of the Statement of
Operations for the year then ended and have obtained all the information and explanations
we have required. In connection therewith we examined or tested the accounting records of
the Commission and other supporting evidence, but we did not make a detailed audit of the
transactions.
The properties and plants expropriated, for which compensation has not been established
as at March 31st, 1947, are described on the attached Interim Balance Sheet. Until such time
as the compensation to be paid for these properties is established, no provision can be made
for this liability.
Subject to the foregoing comments, we report that, in our opinion, the attached Interim
Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations are properly drawn up so as to exhibit a true and
correct view of the state of the affairs of the British Columbia Power Commission as at
March 31st, 1947, according to the best of our information and the explanations given to us
and as shown by the books of the Commission.
Respectfully submitted,
ISMAY, BOISTON, DUNN & CO.,
Chartered Accountants, Auditors.
Victoria, B.C.,
June 10th, 1947. F 30 " ELECTRIC POWER ACT."
STATEMENT OF COMBINED OPERATIONS FOR THE
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31st, 1947.
Statement 2.
Revenue—
Domestic and commercial light and power    Coast Region.*    Interior KEGioN.t   Combined Totals.
service     $708,492.52        $653,876.48 $1,362,369.00
Power for resale .'.         39,896.59          39,896.59
Special power-sales      62.40 62.40
$748,389.11        $653,938.88 $1,402,327.99
Sundry income   5,491.17 4,015.36 9,506.53
$753,880.28        $657,954.24 $1,411,834.52
Expenditure—
Operations and maintenance—
Steam plants        $9,437.64 $30,744.50 $40,182.14
Hydro plants          11,286.56 30,161.43 41,447.99
Diesel plants          28,001.39 75,170.52 103,171.91
$48,725.59 $136,076.45 $184,802.04
Power purchased        182,698.22 198.90 182,897.12
Transmission and distribution       121,840.35 72,415.09 194,255.44
Administrative and general       123,238.21 119,711.64 242,949.85
$476,502.37        $328,402.08 $804,904.45
71,220.00 94,310.72 165,530.72
Gross revenue tax         21,001.43 18,760.71 39,762.14
Provision for—
Renewals and replacements         71,220.00 94,310.72 165,530.72
$568,723.80        $441,473.51 $1,010,197.31
Operating surplus for the twelve months ended
March 31st, 1947, before provision for rates
stabilization reserve, and interest and sinking fund in respect of capital investment _    $185,156.48        $216,480.73 $401,637.21
* Albernis, Alert Bay, Nanaimo-Duncan, Royston, Sechelt.
t Golden, Hope, Kamloops, Nakusp, Okanagan, Peachland-Westbank,  Quesnel,  Smithers,  Terrace, Vanderhoof,
Williams Lake. REPORT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION, 1946-47.        F 31
ADDITIONS TO OPERATING PLANT BY LOCATIONS FOR THE PERIOD
FROM AUGUST 1st, 1945, TO MARCH 31st, 1947.
Statement 3.
Location of Plant.           ^piant^
Transmission-
lines.
Distribution
System.
Motor-
vehicles and
Equipment.
Tools and
General.
Total.
Coast Region.
$30,872.64
$467.96
238,586.74
43,693.42
37,467.01
649.43
14,226.49
7,174.32
2,560.11
130,861.15
39,263.33
510.75
12,275.69
11,585.58
526.60
2,759.72
$2,015.67
13,411.54
1,310.30
2,387.57
1,545.17
1,583.95
1,898.43
$33,356.27
271,091.10
45,058.32
$6,422.34
$12,670.48
54.60
Sechelt	
24,696.61
10,659.58
41,677.31
111.93
15,279.34
2,658.98
1,192.88
28,987.54
43,586.61
18,237.57
55,039.48
50,185.56
355,438.44
64,551.19
12,854.18
Interior Region.
57,487.75
869.84
10,054.52
17,839.45
Okanagan	
982.40
7,548.80
7,299.71
149,351.04
40,456.21
29,498.29
1,435.82
57,298.12
29,823.15
1,605.11
2,844.86
57,171.19
55,790.14
Not distributed.
355,438.44
Line trucks, tools, etc.,
33,110.52
33,969.68
67,080.20
110,203.72
110,203.72
Totals per interim
balance-sheet	
$678,624.47
$7,404.74
$652,812.02
$70,697.74
$54,864.31
$1,464,403.28
VICTORIA,  B.C. :
Printed by Don McDiarmid, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty.
1947.
1,315-647-4190  M
LEGEND .-
GENERATING      STATIONS     -      HYDRO       D
DIESEL » +
STEAM X
SUBSTATION
HIGH    VOLTAGE    TRANSMISSION      LINE-- ~mm-m
" * (under   construction) ■»«»«■
distribution    system	
V\
v
s*.
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BRITISH COLUMBIA POWER COMMISSION
GENERATING   STATIONS,
TRANSMISSION    LINES  AND
DISTRIBUTION     CIRCUITS.
. KX^t *, > '*H»vJ
CHIEF     OPERATIONS     ENGINEER
DATE:      3isV March, 1947.
DRWS.   No.
G -98.
G- 99.
45E
508.
Map of British Columbia, showing Commission's Undertakings.