B.C. Ferries is aiming to order four new battery-powered electric Island-class ferries to serve the Nanaimo Harbour-Gabriola Island and Campbell River-Quadra Island routes, which would free up existing ferries to meet surging demand on other smaller routes, it says.
Details of the program are contained in an Oct. 10 letter from Jill Sharland, B.C. Ferries chief financial officer, to the commissioner. B.C. Ferries is seeking approval to spend money earmarked for carbon reduction to embark on its long-planned electrification program. Before using those funds, it must receive approval from the commissioner, who decides on applications for major capital expenditures.
No cost estimates were revealed for the revised plan, but B.C. Ferries’ new report to the commissioner said there are three possible external funding sources to help pay for electrification, although it only mentioned funds from B.C. Hydro for some of the capital costs of electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Currently, some people park in the ferry lineup the night before to catch the first ferry, the report said. With more capacity on the route, travel should become easier for customers, B.C. Ferries said.
Energy Energy Latest News, Energy Energy Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Source: YahooFinanceCA - 🏆 47. / 63 Read more »