On Thursday evening, Yellowknife and Dettah residents faced a significant power outage lasting about four hours. The incident was attributed to wildlife interaction at the Jackfish substation. This facility plays a crucial role in delivering electricity from hydro plants and diesel backups to local homes.
Details of the Power Outage
The Northwest Territories Power Corporation announced that power was fully restored by 10:20 PM. Doug Prendergast, a spokesperson for the corporation, indicated that wildlife contact was the likely cause of the disruption. However, he noted that they could not confirm this definitively.
- Outage duration: Approximately four hours
- Restoration time: 10:20 PM
- Type of substation affected: Jackfish substation
In addition to Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀ experienced a brief outage, which was resolved using diesel generation. Prendergast acknowledged the frustration surrounding the timing and duration of the outage, stating that they strive to restore power within 45 minutes of a blackout.
City’s Response to the Outage
The City of Yellowknife activated cold-weather protocols and convened its emergency operations committee to manage the situation. Municipal enforcement officers were deployed to intersections where traffic and street lights were out, and the RCMP provided additional traffic control support.
- City facilities: Fieldhouse, aquatic centre, arenas
- Backup power status: Operational
City manager Stephen Van Dine emphasized that city facilities would remain open to provide warmth and relief to residents. He encouraged those experiencing heat loss at home to let their taps run to prevent freezing. Van Dine also expressed understanding of residents’ frustrations over the lengthy outage, especially during the harsh winter months.
Future Preparedness
Van Dine described the situation as challenging but assured that they were collaborating closely with utility companies. Regular updates were being provided to ensure effective communication throughout the crisis. Despite the difficulties posed by the outage, the city remains committed to preparing for future incidents.
This incident highlights the importance of the Jackfish substation in maintaining power supply and the potential impact wildlife can have on critical infrastructure. Residents are urged to remain informed and prepared for any similar situations in the future.
