Preventing and responding to power outages

Although most distribution systems provide high service reliability, there are sometimes service interruptions or outages. In many cases, these are caused by tree limbs, animals, lightning, wind or vehicle collisions. Contact with power lines or electrical equipment can trigger a short circuit or “fault,” disrupting power temporarily to customers in a neighbourhood or community.

Electric distribution companies carry out different measures to prevent these incidents, including:

• monitoring distribution systems from high tech control centres to maintain power reliability and supply to customers
  
  
• conducting rigorous maintenance programs, based on regular inspections and technological improvements, to make sure that distribution facilities meet high standards for safety and system integrity
  
  
• carrying out mowing, hand cutting, trimming and herbicide applications to control the growth of vegetation along power line rights-of-way

Although the focus is on prevention, power companies must be ready for power outages when they occur. Electric distribution companies have detailed plans for restoring electric service after a power outage. These plans are based on the goals of restoring service to essential community services first, and then restoring power to the greatest number of customers in the shortest possible time, while ensuring public and worker safety.

One of the industry’s top priorities is to maintain overall system reliability so as to reduce the number and length of service interruptions. Electric distribution companies work closely with municipalities, utilities and contractors to promote “call before you dig” programs, share information and develop best practices that reduce the potential of damage to underground distribution lines.