Update

The Power Watch for the Avalon is no longer in effect.

Hydro confirms that, based on the current electricity load forecast, it can meet customer requirements.

Customers will be advised if anything changes regarding the status of the electricity system.

Learn more about the notification protocol developed to help keep customers informed: http://www.nlhydro.com/winter/advance-notification-protocol/

 

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January 8, 2016 – Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) is advising customers on the island that the generating unit at the Holyrood Thermal Generating Station, which was taken offline on January 6, 2016, is now undergoing repair and is expected to be back online and fully available by next weekend. Hydro confirms that, based on the current electricity load forecast, it can meet customer requirements for the period.

Hydro issued a Power Watch for the Avalon Peninsula on Wednesday, January 6 due to the colder temperatures leading to high electricity demand. The Power Watch remains in effect for this evening and is expected to end following the system peak tonight and will be lifted for tomorrow morning.

The electricity usage on the island for the coming week looks good and generation reserves on the system for the upcoming week remain positive. There are no alerts expected at this time. We continue to monitor the system closely and all other generation and transmission assets are available and ready to provide reliable service to customers. All back-up generation on the Avalon is also available and on standby.

The Holyrood thermal plant uses superheated water and steam (up to 2700F) to generate electricity, which means it required a cooling period of 48 hours before crews were able to access the inside of the unit and complete a full assessment. However, as the unit cooled, Hydro secured all necessary materials as well as specialized teams to ensure repair work could begin immediately. The unit assessment has confirmed that a repair to boiler tubes inside the unit is required. Crews will be working in shifts around the clock in an effort to ensure the unit is brought back online as quickly and safely as possible.

Hydro is committed to keeping customers informed and any changes to the status of the electricity system and or any significant system events will be communicated to customers.

For more information follow Hydro at www.Twitter.com/NLHydro, www.Facebook.com/NLHydro or visit www.nlhydro.com.

 

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