BC Hydro has awarded a contract to industrial group ABB to retrofit its G.M Shrum plant by 2011.

Under the Can$18M (US$14M) contract, ABB is to complete the first phase of the work by August and then the remainder by 2010 and 2011, respectively.

The British Columbia energy utility has contracted ABB to perform engineering, supply of medium voltage and low voltage switchgear, dry-type transformer and cables, and undertake installation and provide commissioning services.

The underground plant has an installed capacity of 2730MW and houses 10 generating units.

Refurbishment and upgrade work has been underway for a few years as the plant was identified as having the highest improvement potential in the utility’s portfolio. Other firms that have worked on the improvements include GE Hydro and alstom for some turbines and generators, respectively.