ABB wins major BC Hydro retrofit contract in Canada

HUDSON'S HOPE, BRITISH COLUMBIA - ABB, the leading power and automation technology company, announced that it has been awarded an $18 million contract by BC Hydro at the utilityÂ’s G.M. Shrum (GMS) power generation station located at HudsonÂ’s Hope, British Columbia.

The work is to be carried out in three stages, with the first phase to be completed by August 2009 and the balance of the work by 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The contract calls for ABB to carry out a retrofit of station service equipment at the GMS facility. Being executed by ABBÂ’s Service team, with overall project management to be handled by the Hydro and Electrical Balance of Plant center of excellence, the project includes the supply of ABB medium voltage and low-voltage switchgear, dry-type transformers, cables and other equipment. ABB will also be conducting system studies and providing complete engineering, installation and commissioning services.

“ABB is one of our preferred suppliers,” said Boyd Mason, project manager at BC Hydro. “ABB made significant efforts to understand both our technical and commercial needs, and clearly demonstrated that it understood our requirements and risks, and we are confident that they will deliver. Another factor supporting our decision to go with ABB was that they exceeded our design requirements and incorporated a number of additional key safety features into the design of their solution supporting BC Hydro's continual commitment to safety – our number one value.”

“Among our greatest challenges with this contract,” said Greg Farthing, vice president of Sales and Marketing for ABB’s Power Products and Power Systems, “was to develop effective ways of upgrading BC Hydro’s system without interrupting operations at its plant, as well as to complete the work on schedule, safely and with respect for the environment. We are confident that we will meet all of these demands, and in so doing, be in a position to win similar contracts during the years to come.”

As the third largest electric utility in Canada, BC Hydro (www.bchydro.com) serves customers in an area that is home to over 94 percent of British Columbia's population. Through its world-class integrated hydroelectric system the utility assures an efficient and reliable supply of electricity in support of the provinceÂ’s development. Thanks to this outstanding system, British Columbians enjoy some of the lowest electricity rates in North America.