Our Operations
Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI) safely operates two hydroelectric generating stations on Powell Lake and Lois Lake in the qathet Region.
Our 14 local employees safely operate the PREI facilities in a manner that respects the environment, creates shared value and helps to lower global greenhouse gas emissions.
Committed to delivering local benefits
PREI's long-standing operations deliver significant benefits to Powell River and the qathet Region, year over year:
Stable, long-term employment for 14 local residents
Annual property tax and grants-in-lieu payments that support funding for roads, schools and services
Contracting and procurement with local businesses and service providers
Regional power grid reliability and stability
Committed to safe operations
PREI is committed to providing a safe recreational experience at the places we operate.
Public Safety Near Powerlines
Be cautious of overhead power lines, substations, wires and poles when recreating and working outdoors
Public Safety Near Dams
For your safety, please stay clear of the dam, debris booms and water intake area
Frequently Asked Question
For 25 years, PREI powered the local pulp and paper mill. When the mill closed in 2021, PREI was left without a local customer. Provincial laws prohibit independent power producers from selling power directly to residents and industry. As an alternative, the power generated by PREI is delivered to the BC Hydro grid, and an equivalent quantity is exported by PREI in accordance with all permits and licenses. This allows us to maintain local jobs and deliver important contributions to the regional economy.
Our 14 full-time employees are local residents. We also contract local businesses and service providers to support our safe and sustainable operations. When we have openings for full-time or part-time employees, contractors or summer students, we prioritize qualified candidates from the local region. If there are no positions currently available, feel free to reach out to our team to learn about potential opportunities.
Public safety is fundamental to our operations. Powell and Lois Lakes are well-known for recreational float cabins and diverse water activities, and we understand how important proactive communication is for those enjoying these spaces. We meet regularly with residential and recreational stakeholders and share timely information about conditions and reservoir levels on our website.
If you have questions about our operations, we encourage you to reach out. Please email us at bc.info@evolugen.com and we will provide a response and include in future FAQs.
Community Updates
On March 6, 2026, the BC Court of Appeal rendered its decision regarding Powell River Energy Inc.’s (PREI) status as a public utility.
We look forward to working with the British Columbia Utilities Commission to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and requirements.
We remain committed to being a positive community partner and operating with the highest standards for safety and environmental protection.
Please consult the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), responding to key areas of interest regarding our operations.
Powell River Energy Inc. (PREI) recently applied to the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) for a new export license to provide an option to secure reliable customers for our energy.
Through the CER process, we have responded to requests for information from the Regulator, as well as submissions from interested parties. Our Application and related documentation can be viewed on the CER website here.
We are pleased to share a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) responding to key areas of interest regarding our operations.
We value our long-standing relationships with the local community, local First Nations, and remain committed to working collaboratively to support sustainable economic development, clean energy, and long-term prosperity in the Powell River region.
Public Safety
PREI is committed to providing a safe recreational experience at the places we operate whether they be in water or on land. Whether they be hydropower, solar, or wind facilities, or the power lines that carry electricity, this equipment can be very dangerous for those who are not aware of the risks.
Electrical equipment is something that we are familiar with and see in our everyday lives but can be very dangerous for those unaware of the risks. Shock hazards can occur in multiple ways, such as a person touching an electric cable, but they can also occur when a person is close to a line, without even touching anything. It is also extremely dangerous to be in contact with an object that is too close to a line, even though that object may not be touching a cable.
Be cautious of overhead power lines, substations, wires and poles when recreating and working outdoors. From flying kites to cutting trees, to using ladders or heavy equipment, always maintain a safe distance from power lines and electrical infrastructure. Never enter a substation or climb on towers and keep everything farther than 3 m (10 f) from electrical wires.
When doing work near high-voltage line, please familiarize yourself with the guidelines set out in the Together, For Your Safety and Ours brochure to help ensure your safety.
The most dangerous drowning hazards are close to dams, on each side of the structure. This is because there are gates, often located under the water surface, allowing water to go from one side of the dams to the other. For your safety, please stay clear of the dam, debris booms and water intake area. Hazards such as water flows may change quickly and without warning. Areas immediately upstream of generating facilities are dangerous for boaters and swimmers and pose a significant risk for drowning. Our fabricated debris boom has underwater structures that are particularly hazardous to swimmers. Do not attempt to swim up to, around or beneath the debris boom.
Powell Lake Level
Lake Level at
Last updated 2026-06-04 16:00:00
Lake Level(meters)
85.71
Lake Level(feet)
281.20
Lois Lake Level
Lake Level at
Last updated 2026-06-04 16:00:00
Lake Level (meters)
156.67
Lake Level (feet)
514.01
Additional Water Level &
Flow Information
For information on water levels and flows elsewhere in the watersheds, please visit:
Real-Time Hydrometric Data Graph for Theodosia River Diversion above Olsen Lake (08GC005) [BC]
Real-Time Hydrometric Data Graph for Horseshoe River above Lois Lake (08GB014) [BC]
