Coronavirus-related drop in power demand leads to tricky situation for BC Hydro
Posted May 11, 2020 12:30 pm.
Last Updated May 11, 2020 12:31 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – As it sees a nearly 10 per cent decline in power use, BC Hydro is trying to figure out how to safely spill an excess of water in some of its reservoirs.
In an average year, it’s usually much busier. A decrease in demand, “high inflows” from spring snowmelt, and a limited export market amid the crisis mean there a surplus in BC Hydro’s system, the utility explains.
Turns out @bchydro‘s decline in electricity demand means it now must take immediate action to avoid flooding and other impacts. There’s been a 10% decline in energy use so some of its reservoirs might reach capacity…meaning prolonged spills.
— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) May 11, 2020
“Further adding to its surplus challenges is the majority of the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) it has agreements with are producing the most amount of energy at this time of year – accounting for about 29 per cent of BC Hydro’s total generation,” a BC Hydro release reads.
It will now need to figure out how to safely spill that extra water, while not hurting the fish populations or infrastructure near some of its facilities.
Hydro is going to have to spill water at some of these reservoirs of concern before they get full. Prolonged spills can actually hurt the fish living nearby. So, as part of the solution(s) to this, there will be some short-term spilling.
— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) May 11, 2020
BC Hydro will also be shutting down operations at some of its smaller plants to try and fix the problem.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has created an extraordinary situation with our system that we’re working to address,” Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro President and CEO, says in a release. “We’re confident that through these measures, we’ll be able to avoid the public safety and environmental risks that would be created by excessive spilling at our facilities.”
Where has Hydro seen the biggest decline?
-Rec centres/facilities
-Restaurants
-Hotels
-Offices
Major industry accounts for about 30% of its overall electricity load. There’s been a decreased use of 7% from these customers since mid-March.— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) May 11, 2020
BC Hydro notes electricity demand could see a further drop, with decreases of up to 12 per cent by April of next year. That would represent more than double the decline BC Hydro saw for electricity demand after the recession of 2008.
