As a Diesel System Representative, Matt works around the clock to provide reliable service for our customers in Ramea and surrounding communities.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I live in Burgeo and work as a Diesel System Representative in Ramea. During my time off I enjoy travelling with my wife and daughter and diving. I spend my time hunting in the fall and skidooing in the winter. I’m also an active volunteer firefighter and teach first aid in my spare time in communities along the coast.

Describe your role here at Hydro.

For some rural communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, diesel fuel is the sole source of electricity, as the most affordable, reliable option for firm supply in more remote areas. As a Diesel System Representative (DSR), we work as the controlling authority at Hydro’s Diesel Plants in isolated communities around the province. We do general maintenance and
emergency repairs to plant equipment and sometimes provide limited line repairs to distribution in the towns we serve.

What does an average day look like for you?

I work shift work – nine days on, five days off – and where Ramea is a collection of small islands, I take a ferry into the town for my shift. We are a very small crew, often just me and one other person, so we take care of a number of responsibilities for our plant including daily inspections on the plant and equipment. Our nine day shift includes four days dedicated to
general work on the plant and oil changes on the units. We are responsible for ordering fuel when needed, and complete weekly and monthly production reports. We also make sure the plant’s environmental standards met/up to date and we take part in environmental audits. Our regular inspections and maintenance ensure that the plant runs without issue and customer service isn’t interrupted.

What role do you play in ensuring Hydro can provide safe, reliable power to our customers?

DSRs are critical workers which means there is a DSR on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week for diesel plants in these isolated communities around our province. Ramea may be a smaller, rural area but these are still people who depend on access to reliable electricity. We are the only employees available when trouble happens and we do everything we can to keep service running smoothly for our customers in these communities.

What’s something about your job that you think most people may not know?

I’ve worked with Hydro since 2001 but a power outage where you are working alone can still be a stressful experience at times. The walk to the plant, feels long and the sound of a quiet powerhouse is very unnatural. But fixing the issue, and restoring power to customers, is a very rewarding experience.

What is the biggest reason you’re motivated to do your best work here every day?

My grandfather and uncle were plant operators with Hydro as well. I grew up in Francois (or Fransway, as we say) on the southwest coast of the island, and Hydro employees would often board with our family when workers were needed at the plant. So for me, it’s a family affair which is what inspired me to pursue a similar career. These connections inspire me to do my best work and I feel fortunate to be a part of Hydro.