While the Romaine-3 and 4 hydroelectric power stations have been shut down since November 19, a second break was discovered on the power line, reports Hydro-Québec.
During a helicopter patrol on January 10, teams from the state company noted that an electricity pylon had collapsed due to a new episode of frost and black ice.
This new break occurred on the same section of high-voltage transmission line under repair since November, explains Hydro-Québec spokesperson Pascal Poinlane.
On November 19, an accumulation of 75 millimeters of ice caused several high-voltage cables to break.
The opening of the 97-kilometer road from Romaine-3 to the site of the breakdown is now complete, says Mr. Poinlane. Trucks and helicopters are used to transport equipment to the site, he adds.
In addition to having to rebuild the fallen pylon, the other pylons within a five-kilometer radius will have to be de-iced, inspected and restored, he specifies. The rest of the line is healthy. […] We have secured this section of line
he says.
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In January, a layer of 90 mm of ice accumulated on the cables and pylons, indicates Hydro-Québec.
Photo: Hydro-Québec
The Crown corporation estimates that the work should be completed and power restored by the end of February. We will try to integrate the work on the construction of a new pylon into the schedule.
indicates the spokesperson.
However, the schedule could be revised, specifies Mr. Poinlane. In fact, the affected site is remote and largely dependent on weather conditions
he recalls.
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Expected consumption peak
Hydro-Québec expects to reach a peak in electricity demand on Wednesday.
According to its forecasts, between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. Wednesday, Quebecers will consume nearly 42,000 MW of electricity, a little below the historic record of 2023 which revealed the vulnerability of the network.
During such episodes, all hydroelectric installations work at high speed
affirms Pascal Poinlane. However, the shutdown of Romaine-3 and 4 will not prevent Hydro-Québec from meeting demand, he maintains.
Although these plants are not essential to meet Wednesday’s demand, their combined production of 650 MW is significant during such cold periods, estimates associate professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University François Bouffard.
As demand has increased since 2023, in the long term, Hydro-Québec cannot do without these power plants, he believes.
In addition, their shutdown causes financial losses for the state company since the energy could have been resold, underlines François Bouffard.
It’s an opportunity cost for Hydro-Québec, that’s for sure.
he maintains. Maybe we had to import [de l’électricité] to replace the production of Romaine-3 and 4 which was planned […] or we used resources in Quebec which are a little less effective.
