Dear Editor,
The Pontiac region has experienced an unprecedented number of hydro outages in the past year. The complete loss of power has occurred unexpectedly with no notice and no obvious cause such as high wind, heavy rain or snow.
We realize that with 40 per cent of the Outaouais’ forest we have a lot of foliage which grows close to the hydro lines. This requires extensive and continuous cutting back of foliage including trees and branches. Four years ago, a team came in and the result produced 20 per cent less outages. I do not believe that the frequency of cutting has been kept up.
This situation has caused a safety and security issue. It affects thousands of residents, businesses, healthcare facilities, and seniors’ residences. Many people in our region rely on power for medical apparatuses and in extreme heat they need air conditioning.
In many municipalities, land lines, internet and cell phones become inactive. This results in zero communication. This is absolutely unacceptable.
When these power failures occur the response time is too slow. This is because we do not have enough Hydro-Québec workers living here. We need a dedicated crew who can be readily available. In some cases, we wait 10 hours for crews sent from New Brunswick to arrive. Ridiculous. We have suggested that an arrangement be made to have other local linesmen to assist and also Ontario Hydro, given our proximity to Ontario.
Although I have not seen a copy of this report, MRC Pontiac has the most power outages of 89 MRCs in the province. When potential investors, entrepreneurs, home and cottage buyers hear about this ongoing problem, it is a deterrent.
We have had many meetings and there has been a lot of talk about solutions. It was good news to hear that $150 million dollars is planned for the modernization of the lines from Quyon to Pembroke and a new substation in Mansfield.
Some of the lines are over one hundred years old.
The problem is the wait is too long. The commissioning after all of the work is not until 2031.
On Wednesday night at our public Council meeting I will present a resolution to the Council of Mayors requesting their support for the following:
Request a meeting with CEO Claudine Bouchard of Hydro-Québec expressing urgent need for faster implementation of line replacement and a substation.
Request for a dedicated team of HQ workers in the Pontiac.
Request for better communication with elected representatives and residents.
Request for aggressive cutting back of foliage.
We will keep you posted and will do our very best to ensure a reliable supply of power in the Pontiac.
Jane Toller, Warden MRC Pontiac
