FortisBC hoping to build LNG storage facility in Kelowna as natural gas shortfall looms [Video]

As the population of Kelowna grows so too does power consumption, but its availability is quickly becoming a concern.

“We’re looking at a potential shortage or shortfall of natural gas by the winter of 2026-27,” said Marcus Anderson, corporate communications advisor for FortisBC.

In order to address it, Fortis is planning to build what it calls a small-scale liquified natural gas (LNG) storage facility so that power is available during peak winter days when demand is through the roof.

“We’re not looking at storing it on-site throughout the whole year,” Anderson said.

“We’ll be bringing it in in the fall months when it’s easier for our trucks to be able to travel on the highways and transport this gas into the community and it’ll just be stored through the winter and used on an as-needed basis.”

The storage facility would be constructed on the site of the existing electric substation on Spall Road.

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