Disruption at oil fields puts Norman Wells on diesel power
Imperial Oil and mayor say there is no risk to community heat
Chris Puglia
Northern News Services
Published Wednesday, December 18, 2013
LLI GOLINE/NORMAN WELLS
The community of Norman Wells is running on diesel-generated power following problems with Imperial Oil’s operation near the community.
Normally, electricity is generated in the community using associated gas from Imperial’s oil drilling operation. Similarly, that natural gas is used to power the company’s facilities and heat the town.
Imperial Oil spokesperson Pius Rolheiser was vague on what is causing the problem, but in a written response to News/North, indicated the community’s gas supply is being maintained.
"Our operation experienced power disruptions, some of which caused outages to field and plant facilities, including facilities that provide electricity and natural gas to the town of Norman Wells," Rolheiser stated. "Imperial has maintained sufficient field production to ensure natural gas supply to the town continues, and is keeping the town informed of the situation. Efforts to resolve the power disruptions and return affected facilities to normal operation are continuing."
Operations and emergency response personnel from Imperial's Norman Wells operations responded to the situation after an unplanned power disruption at 6:36 p.m. on Dec. 17. The community’s power generation was switched to the NWT Power Corporation’s diesel plant at 7:12 p.m. that evening.
Rolheiser would not estimate how long the community will remain on diesel power, stating only that, "it’ll take as long as it takes."
However, Mike Ocko, Northwest Territories Power Corporation's thermal region director, said Imperial Oil has indicated the power should be switched back as early as tomorrow.
Mayor Gregor Harold McGregor was more forthcoming with information. Although he said he is not aware of the specifics of the problem, Imperial Oil is providing regular updates.
As of Wednesday afternoon, McGregor said one of Imperial Oil’s three turbines was in operation and a switchgear specialist was being flown to the site. A switchgear is a device used for opening and closing electric circuits.
Gregor also said he is confident the community’s gas supply is stable.
"I don’t think that it’s near the situation we had last winter," said McGregor, referring to the town’s issuance of a state of emergency after a problem at Imperial Oil’s site caused a decrease in natural gas pressure and nearly forced the town’s evacuation.
