Worn out diesel generators to blame for Fort Smith's recent power outages

The Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC) says several diesel generators in need of repair in Fort Smith, N.W.T., are to blame for multiple power outages over the last week. 

The community of almost 2,500 people has been relying on generators for electricity since 2023, when the power corporation started an overhaul of the aging Taltson hydro facility.  

Doug Prendergast, the communications manager for NTPC, told CBC News the town is using six generators in total – four that are permanent, two which are rentals. 

They can meet the town's electricity demands, he said, but using them for a long time has caused mechanical and electrical issues, and several of them now need repair. 

Prendergast says the situation is an anomaly, because backup generators are not usually used for prolonged periods of time. He said NTPC workers have been working around the clock to repair them and to maintain reliable power. 

The power corporation is also asking Fort Smith residents to keep limiting how much electricity they're using. Prendergast said demand tends to spike around meal times – between noon and 1 p.m., and again between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

"It would be helpful if the laundry were put off until after dinner when the electricity demand is less," he said. 

Those backup generators may get relief soon. The overhaul of the Taltson hydro facility was expected to be done early this year, and Prendergast said NTPC is now expecting it'll return to service within the next month.

He said it's being tested right now to make sure it'll be reliable once it's back on. 

Fort Smith resident thankful for NTPC's efforts

Fort Smith resident Harold Gambler said the outages have been challenging, especially with unstable power that can damage electronics. 

He said he's doing his part by limiting how much electricity he's using and unplugging unused electronics. He also expressed appreciation for NTPC workers who have been working to address the power issues, often in harsh winter conditions.

"Hats off to the power corporation and what they're doing," he said. "Trying to keep our power going and doing all they can to make sure we're as stable as can be."

Prendergast, meanwhile, is thanking people in Fort Smith for conserving power. He said the community's quick response to NTPC's calls for conservation has helped maintain reliable power.

"Every time that we've posted on social media requesting that people conserve power, we see almost an immediate reaction," he said.