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fact sheet

Brilliant

( S Original Purchased by Upgrade Turbines: Construction Columbia Power Investment: 4 Francis Completed: & CBT: $100 Million Turbines 1944 1996

Columbia Power 50% Capacity: Owner 140 MW Structure Columbia Basin Trust 50% HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Hydroelectricity is created by the force of water flowing from a The Brilliant Dam was constructed during WWII when lead and higher elevation to a lower elevation converting potential energy zinc were in high demand for the war effort and all of the other (water stored behind a dam) to hydraulic energy (water flowing West Kootenay Power generators on the were down a large tunnel called a penstock to a water wheel turbine). working to capacity.

The Brilliant Dam was purchased by Columbia Power and The Francis water turbine used at the Brilliant Dam consists Columbia Basin Trust for $130 million in 1996 from Cominco of multiple vertical blades. Water passes through these blades (now Teck). At the time of purchase, the facility was capable of causing the turbine to rotate which spins the generator. Magnets producing 125 megawatts of electricity. Since the acquisition, spinning inside wire coils in the generator make the electricity. $100 million has been invested in capital upgrade projects The electricity passes through high voltage transmission lines to which include concrete rehabilitation, switch-yard replacement, substations where it is distributed at lower voltages to industrial, spillway gate refurbishment, seismic stabilization, and a commercial and residential customers. generation re-powering life extension program. The Brilliant Dam is considered to be one of Canada’s most reliable facilities WHERE DOES THE ELECTRICITY GO? by Navigant Consulting. ELECTRICITY GENERATED AT THE BRILLIANT DAM IS SOLD TO FORTISBC.

FACILITY FACTS

LOCATION Castlegar, BC on the Kootenay River CONSTRUCTION Originally built in 1944 by Cominco (now PERIOD Teck) ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OWNER Columbia Power (50%), Columbia Basin Once the Brilliant Dam was purchased from Cominco (now STRUCTURE Trust (50%) Teck) in 1996 it underwent a variety of capital upgrades CAPACITY 140 megawatts including a generation re-powering life extension program. This SPILLWAY GATES 8 program increased powerhouse capacity resulting in positive TURBINES 4 vertical Francis turbines environmental benefits by directing more water through the TRANSMISSION 0.5 km links to the Brilliant Terminal powerhouse instead of spilling it over the Brilliant Dam which Station reduces downstream Total Gas Pressure (TGP) levels which are ASSET MANAGER Columbia Power harmful to fish.

OPERATIONS + Brilliant Dam Environmental Programs Include: MAINTENANCE MANAGER FortisBC • Lardeau River Side Channel Enhancement Project • Kootenay Lake Kokanee Shoal Spawning Study

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