QEC strike may have led to ongoing power outages in Whale Cove, Nunavut
Energy workers left town without commissioning a new generator, put 'everything in limbo,' says hamlet's SAO
The absence of Qulliq Energy Corporation workers during the recent strike may have caused ongoing intermittent power outages in Whale Cove, Nunavut.
"When the energy workers started their strike, they left town without commissioning a new generator... so everything is in limbo since then," said Mike Richards, the hamlet's Senior Administrative Officer.
The community's old generator is operating beyond capacity and over-heating, causing daily brownouts and surges.
Computer systems and TV cable systems have been affected. Residents have been asked to reduce their power consumption until the workers return and a new generator arrives.
"Even in our hamlet office, we've been making sure to turn our computers off when we're not working," said Richards.
Brownouts can cause serious damages to refrigerators, home computers and industrial machinery.
"Our brand new washing machine just got shot. I'm upset, we bought it only three weeks ago" said Darlene Sass, general manager of the Issatik Co-op.
She says replacing her industrial washing machine will cost around $1,000.
"My electrician looked at it, and said the whole electrical panel was gone," she said. "It would cost even more to buy and have the parts flown in."
Richards says these brownouts will have long-term effects.
"These brownouts often cause more damage than we are aware of," he said.