Power is generated by a five-jet vertical Pelton turbine. This project is owned by Haa-ak-Suuk Creek Hydro Limited Partnership, with a majority ownership through the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and a minority stake held by Kennedy Power Corp. of Nanaimo, BC. Producing an average of 6MW, enough to power approximately 2,000 homes, the energy produced from this project is sold to BC Hydro via a long-term electricity purchase agreement.
Engineering challenges included safely routing the penstock and access road through a series of avalanche chutes in the area. This was accomplished with minimal clearing and environmental impact, contributing to an Ecologo certification.
Saya Masso, Economic Development Director for TFN, describes the project’s importance as follows: “Collaborating to achieve these projects is a key step in Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations’ economic and self-governance plan. Haa-ak-suuk Hydro is part of the economic core that will drive a multitude of other initiatives in the region.”
This project has received support from the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Economic Development Corporation, the Government of Canada, the Province of BC, and BC Hydro.
