Priority maintenance work on the Brossard distribution system

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Hydro‑Québec does not automatically know right away that a customer is affected by a power outage, which is why it’s important to report it to the company by calling 1 800 790-2424.

That said, a major advantage of next-generation meters is that outages are detected more easily. This means that power will be restored more quickly.

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Top priority goes to all emergency services related to health and public safety. When a power outage affects primarily residential customers, the objective is always to restore power to the largest number of homes as quickly as possible, while taking into account the duration of each outage.

Hydro‑Québec’s objective is always to restore power to the largest number of homes as quickly as possible. Hydro‑Québec’s crews must work on the main systems first before they can restore power to the secondary systems. So even if you do not see Hydro‑Québec trucks on your street, rest assured that we are working on the system so that we can restore service in your neighborhood.

Hydro‑Québec always strives to restore power as quickly as possible. However, before we can tell our customers exactly when their electricity will be turned back on, we need to fully assess what needs to be done based on the damage to the power system. During a localized power outage, HQ can determine what needs to be done more quickly and give customers a reasonable estimate of when service will be restored. However, in the case of a major weather event, service restoration estimates change as more information becomes available. When our main system is at the center of the event, it is possible that the number of outages could increase over the course of the weather event. As a result, the priority of some outages (priority for essential services) may change, which makes it difficult to determine when service will be restored. In the meantime, for a specific outage, as soon as we have assessed the damage and a crew is working on it, we’re able to give an idea of when service will be restored.

A combination of factors contribute to the current service quality problems in Brossard. Vegetation maintenance efforts in certain areas were behind schedule, coupled with equipment failures on an aging system. Faulty protective equipment also contributed to prolonging outages, thereby affecting more customers.

Yes, we inform customers in advance by phone at the number indicated in their file at Hydro‑Québec. That’s why it’s important to make sure you update your file with your current phone number. Customers can also consult the power outage information website to learn about all the upcoming planned service interruptions.

In the specific case of Brossard, we have been closely monitoring service quality for a number of years. Until very recently, the average system performance data indicated that service quality was normal. The significant increase in outages was noticed in spring 2022 when the number of complaints increased.

Overall, Hydro‑Québec has a well-designed, robust power system, but we are occasionally faced with difficult weather conditions. During more severe weather (violent storms, strong winds, heavy snow, freezing rain), nearby trees and branches come into contact with or even fall on the lines, causing damage.

Hydro‑Québec ensures that its system is reliable and secure at all times. To deal with unforeseen events, we closely monitor meteorological conditions 24/7 and adopt a proactive approach to ensure that we’re ready on the ground when the major weather event begins.

Hydro‑Québec is constantly working to make its grid more reliable and secure, in particular by adding equipment that will help restore power remotely or protect the system.

Details:

• Each year, in an effort to reduce the duration of certain types of outages, Hydro‑Québec installs automated equipment on the distribution system to allow the System Control Center to perform operations remotely, avoiding the need to dispatch a crew.
• Hydro‑Québec has a rigorous line and equipment inspection and maintenance program designed to ensure the system is reliable throughout the year.
• The company has significantly reinforced the power system to make it less sensitive to weather conditions.

At the moment, all of Brossard’s power lines are included in our inspection program. Following the inspections, we will determine the priority repairs and do the necessary maintenance work based on the significance of the problems encountered.

No, the problems in Brossard are in no way connected to the REM. Most of the problematic lines are supplied by Brossard substation, whereas the REM is supplied by La Prairie substation.

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It’s a responsibility that is shared with homeowners.

Avoid damaging the lines connecting your home to the power grid.

We conduct regular preventive vegetation maintenance (pruning and clearing). The maintenance cycle planning map is available for consultation.

Every year, Hydro‑Québec spends more than $100 million—an amount that has increased significantly in recent years—to control vegetation near its system to ensure it is reliable and secure at all times. Pruning limits the number of outages (vegetation is responsible for close to 40% of outages). However, despite our vegetation control efforts, during a major weather event, falling branches or trees cause serious damage to the system.