By Abigail Popple, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, RMG
BC Hydro will be disconnecting users of the Valemount substation – which provides electricity for the entire Robson Valley – from its power grid on July 15th through August 2nd to upgrade the substation’s power transformer, says spokesperson Susan Edgell. During this time, the Valley will be receiving energy from Independent Power Producers (IPPs), rather than the Valemount substation, in a process called “islanding.”
In an email to The Goat, Edgell said the company does not anticipate a disruption in power while the valley is islanded.
“There is a very slight chance of a small 15-minute disruption when the power is transferred from the substation to the IPP at the start of work on July (15th), and then again when the power is transferred back to the substation at the end of the project on (August 2nd),” she wrote. “In most cases, the transfer of power goes seamlessly at the start and finish of these types of projects.”
According to Edgell, IPPs are only able to provide power when water levels are high.
“They are able to help with power needs from the time freshet occurs; usually sometime in June, and often run until September,” she wrote. “Of course right now with drought conditions in effect around the province that window would likely shut earlier than September this year. But it is within this timeframe when they are able to help BC Hydro with offering power supply in times of need.”
There are two independent power producers in Valemount and four in McBride, according to Hydro’s IPP Supply List.
“We will use the other IPPs as needed to supply the load, with (the Castle Creek IPP) acting as the regulator,” said John Wheeler, spokesperson for the local IPPs.
He added that islanding will be in effect for all of the valley, from Dome Creek to Albreda to Mount Robson.
