More Widespread Power Outages in Alberta Due to Overhead Lines
Sagging and broken power lines caused by heavy frost resulted in widespread power outages yesterday and today in Drumheller, Three Hills, Hanna, Oyen, Consort, Lloydminster, Vermilion, Vegreville, St. Paul, Bonnyville and surrounding rural areas (Drumheller online).
ATCO Electric could not say when the power would be back on. ATCO informed customers they should always assume that power lines are energized and to keep back a minimum of 10 metres from the sagging or downed wires or anything in contact with the wires.
Tens of thousands of customers in British Columbia and New Brunswick were without power last week as stormy weather pounded the west and east coast.
As we experience more and more power outages caused by inclement weather damaging overhead electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure, customers are wondering why these lines are not buried like all of our other utilities. Underground power lines are safer because they are not susceptible to weather damage, and can therefore save millions of dollars in repairs, other damages and lost productivity.
R.E.T.A. 