Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro officials have issued a warning about the possibility of implementing rotating power outages due to insufficient electricity supply to meet the demand. The shutdown of the Bay d’Espoir plant, the island’s largest generating facility, for the first time since 1967 is the main reason behind this potential power emergency.
In case of outages, power will be selectively cut off in different neighborhoods or communities, with no advance notice possible, according to Byron Chubbs, Newfoundland Power’s vice-president of engineering and energy supply. The expected duration of these rotating outages would be around 60 minutes or less to ensure continued electricity flow across the island.
While there is uncertainty about the power grid reaching an emergency state, officials are closely monitoring the situation, particularly focusing on Saturday evening as the period of highest risk. Customers are urged to prepare by checking their generators, charging their phones, and having flashlights readily available.
The current power warning stems from the near-maximum capacity of the electricity supply, exacerbated by high power demand and ongoing issues with frazil ice at the Bay d’Espoir plant. Frazil ice, which forms in supercooled water, consists of small ice crystals that can accumulate and obstruct water intakes, affecting facilities like hydropower plants.
Efforts are underway to remove the ice at the Bay d’Espoir plant, with a team, including divers equipped with special gear, working on the task. Additionally, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is taking steps to secure more power for the island, including maximizing power transmission from Muskrat Falls and exploring options for imported electricity from Nova Scotia through the Maritime Link.
Despite these measures, challenges remain, as transmission reservations for energy from New England and Quebec provide only temporary relief. Efforts are also underway to expedite repairs at the Holyrood generating plant to address the current situation where only one of its three generators is operational.
Officials are hopeful that warmer temperatures later in the week will help reduce the risk of a power emergency. Customers are advised to stay informed and prepared for any potential power disruptions.
The situation is being closely monitored, and necessary actions are being taken to ensure the stability of the power supply across Newfoundland and Labrador.