Richard SineUpdated on: October 10, 2024 4:19 am GMT
BC Hydro Plans Major Power Outage for Bulkley Valley Area on September 15
On Sunday, September 15, BC Hydro will implement a significant power outage affecting the Bulkley Valley and surrounding regions from Telkwa to Kitwanga. The outage is scheduled to last from 7 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m. This planned interruption will facilitate the relocation of a transmission line at the Telkwa substation, aimed at supporting the Prince George to Terrace Capacitor Stations Project.
Enhancements in Electrical Infrastructure
BC Hydro has noted that this project is essential to meet the increasing power demands from various industries in the North Coast, particularly in the mining and liquefied natural gas (LNG) sectors. According to BC Hydro spokesperson Dave Mosure, there is a growing request for reliable electricity infrastructure in this rapidly developing area.
The upcoming enhancements will involve the installation of three new capacitor stations—one near Vanderhoof, another near Burns Lake, and the last near Telkwa. These facilities are crucial as they enhance the capacity of the existing 500 kV transmission line between Prince George and Terrace. Capacitor stations serve to boost the volume of electricity that the transmission lines can carry, thereby improving the reliability and efficiency of the power supply.
The Role of Capacitor Stations
Capacitor stations are specialized installations designed to increase the carrying capacity of transmission lines. They consist of equipment that allows a greater volume of electricity to flow through the existing infrastructure, making the overall system more effective without requiring extensive new construction.
- Construction Requirements: These outdoor facilities must be located on flat terrain, adjacent to existing lines, making site selection critical.
- Current Progress: Construction of the Saranovich (Vanderhoof) and Palling (Burns Lake) capacitor stations began in October 2022, while work at the Walcott (Telkwa) station commenced in January 2024.
- Long-Term Vision: The expected in-service date for the new infrastructure is projected for 2027 or 2028.
Details of the Planned Outage
The September 15 power outage is part of the necessary work associated with the Telkwa capacitor station. Specific tasks include clearing the site, constructing permanent access roads, and relocating the existing 138 kV transmission line. Crews require an outage to ensure their safety while performing this critical work.
BC Hydro has communicated with the communities affected by the outage, providing information on the necessity of the interruption and its expected duration. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to make preparations in advance to minimize inconvenience.
Recent Power Outage in Central Lonsdale
In a separate incident on Monday, another outage affected approximately 2,800 BC Hydro customers in the Central Lonsdale area. A downed wire caused the power disruption around noon, impacting residences and businesses between Mahon and Chesterfield avenues.
BC Hydro crews responded to the emergency immediately, ensuring safety measures were in place before commencing repair work. A specialized team was expected on-site to assess and rectify the issue, with power restorations anticipated by 7 p.m. that evening.
Safety First
BC Hydro emphasized that downed power lines are treated as emergencies and require swift action not only to restore power but also to protect public safety. Continuous updates were provided to the affected customers throughout the process, reinforcing BC Hydro’s commitment to keeping lines of communication open during outages.
Looking Ahead
The planned power outage on September 15 represents a crucial step in modernizing and expanding British Columbia’s power infrastructure to better serve its residents and industries. As natural resource sectors continue to grow, ensuring a reliable and robust power supply remains a priority for BC Hydro.
Residents are urged to stay informed about upcoming outages, emergency protocols, and utility infrastructure developments by checking BC Hydro’s official communications and updates.
If you want to know more about BC Hydro services or get updates on power outages, check out BC Hydro’s website.
