Jackfish Wildlife Blamed for Major Power Outage in YK
On Thursday evening, residents of Yellowknife and Dettah experienced a power outage lasting about four hours. The Northwest Territories Power Corporation attributed this disruption to wildlife interaction at the Jackfish substation, a vital facility for electricity distribution in the region.
Details of the Jackfish Wildlife-Related Power Outage
The power outage was officially reported with full restoration occurring by 10:20 PM. Doug Prendergast, a spokesperson for the power corporation, implied that wildlife contact likely caused the disruption, although this could not be confirmed definitively.
- Duration of Outage: Approximately four hours
- Restoration Time: 10:20 PM
- Type of Substation Affected: Jackfish substation
- Additional Affected Area: Behchokǫ̀ experienced a brief outage
Prendergast acknowledged the frustration over the length of the outage. He stated that their goal is to restore power within 45 minutes of a blackout.
City’s Response to the Outage
In response to the outage, the City of Yellowknife activated its cold-weather protocols and assembled its emergency operations committee. Municipal enforcement officers were dispatched to intersections where traffic and streetlights were inoperative, with support from the RCMP for traffic control.
- City Facilities Affected: Fieldhouse, aquatic centre, and arenas remained operational.
- Backup Power: Systems were in place to support essential services.
City manager Stephen Van Dine emphasized that these facilities were open to provide warmth and assistance to the community. He advised residents facing heating losses to leave their taps running to prevent pipes from freezing. Van Dine acknowledged the concerns of residents regarding the outage’s timing, particularly during winter.
Future Preparedness and Community Awareness
Looking forward, Van Dine conveyed that the city is actively collaborating with utility companies to handle such situations more effectively. Regular updates were provided to keep residents informed during the crisis.
This incident underscores the importance of the Jackfish substation in the electricity supply chain and the potential effects of wildlife on critical infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for future power disruptions.
