Tumbler Ridge Transmission Structure Update July 22, 3:30 p.m.
BC Hydro advises that the new transmission pole structures intended to ensure Tumbler Ridge maintains reliable power are expected to be in place by the weekend, after which conductor lines will be strung over a span of 900 metres.
Planned Outage Next Week:
A planned outage will be required to connect the new conductors to the existing transmission line to Tumbler Ridge. The day and length of the planned outage will be announced early next week with the goal of completing this work before the community music festival “Grizz Fest” begins.
We will continue to provide information and as much advance notice as possible of potential power interruptions. Information will also be posted through the offices and website of the District of Tumbler Ridge or visit BC Hydro’s website: http://www.bchydro.com/mediabulletins/
Construction update:
While the construction of the new transmission structures crossing High Hat Creek has been slower than expected due to challenging ground conditions and access issues, BC Hydro intends to have the process completed next week.
Power to Tumbler Ridge remains uninterrupted, however the existing transmission structure is still considered to be at risk, which could increase should weather conditions deteriorate. BC Hydro’s primary concern is for the safety of our crews and customers as we implement a plan that ensures power reliability.
Back-up generation in place:
Two back-up generation units have been installed in Tumbler Ridge to serve as standby supplemental power to the community’s existing back-up units for their critical infrastructure and emergency requirements if the threatened transmission structures fall. In consultation with local government, BC Hydro will provide back-up generation for ShopEasy, two gas stations and the community centre.
Individuals are advised that using small portable generators can be a potential safety risk to BC Hydro crews if the generator has not been installed correctly. Please visit BC Hydro’s “Home Outage Preparation” web page for information concerning portable generator safety precautions: https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages/home_outages.html#6
If the transmission structure should fall:
Should the transmission structure fall, a power outage will occur in Tumbler Ridge. In that event, the back-up generation units on site would serve all emergency and critical infrastructure needs in Tumbler Ridge. For other customers, the length of a potential outage would depend on progress on the long-term solution and whether other temporary solutions are feasible given the challenging ground conditions.
Additional Information:
BC Hydro field operations observed deteriorating conditions on Monday, July 11 around a wood pole structure that is part of the 230-kilovolt transmission line to Tumbler Ridge. Monitoring of the site has been ongoing. This area has been subject to significant rainfall and high water levels at High Hat Creek, leading to soil saturation on a hillside where the transmission structure is located. Two weeks ago, BC Hydro completed a geotechnical assessment and plans were made to begin construction of new wood pole structures on both sides of High Hat Creek on higher, more solid ground.