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Across Canada, the summer months bring with them the threat of wildfires that wreak havoc not only on the environment but also on the electrical infrastructure that serves remote and rural communities. With over a thousand utility poles damaged in the previous year alone, the struggle to maintain reliable power has intensified, as utility companies and local leaders push for innovative solutions to mitigate the risks.
The Fragile Electrical Network
Canada’s electricity grid is a complex system woven through densely wooded landscapes, reliant on wooden utility poles that stand vulnerable in the face of devastating wildfires. In 2022, wildfires severely impacted communities, particularly in regions like Jasper, Alberta. The town, connected to the provincial grid by a newly established transmission line in 2019, faced significant power outages when the Chetamon wildfire scorched approximately 6,000 hectares of Jasper National Park, damaging vital power lines.
By 2024, the situation worsened dramatically when another fierce wildfire ravaged the townsite. Residents whose homes were unscathed still endured power outages lasting up to 16 days. Jasper Mayor Richard Ireland expressed his frustration, stating, “One long [power] arm reaches into Jasper, and when that gets affected, then we are simply without power. It is not really a grid. We are a tentacle.” This metaphor underscores the vulnerability of remote communities, where a single point of failure can lead to widespread outages.
The Impact of Power Disruptions
The consequences of these power outages extend beyond mere inconveniences. During the 2022 Chetamon wildfire, rolling blackouts were instituted, necessitating backup power generation to meet the town’s needs. Mayor Ireland described the impact as “devastating” for Jasper, a community heavily reliant on tourism. The challenge of safeguarding infrastructure to protect one town often overwhelms the capacities of remote communities and their utility providers.
The situation is not isolated to Jasper. In British Columbia, the Kelly Lake substation’s destruction during wildfires resulted in power flickers for customers hundreds of kilometres away, demonstrating how interconnected the electrical supply is across vast distances. B.C. Hydro reported losing 115 distribution poles and two transmission structures last year due to wildfire damage, exacerbating the issue.
In Northern Manitoba, the O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation faced a three-week power outage after wildfires damaged utility poles leading into the community. Councillor Rita Thomas voiced the frustration felt by the community, particularly among members with health concerns who rely on medical equipment requiring consistent power. The local utility, Manitoba Hydro, faced challenges restoring power as crews could not access the area amidst active wildfires.
Innovating for Resilience
The systemic risks posed by wildfires to remote communities have prompted utility providers to rethink their infrastructure strategies. Kevin Hanna, director at the Centre for Environmental Assessment Research at the University of British Columbia, emphasised that the dangers vary: some areas have only one route for power supply, while others may preemptively shut off power before a wildfire strikes. This complexity highlights the need for comprehensive solutions.
In response, utility companies are exploring innovative technologies to enhance resilience against wildfires. For instance, in high-risk areas, wooden poles are treated with fire retardants or replaced with more durable materials such as fibreglass-reinforced polymer or steel. Additionally, fire-resistant mesh is being deployed to wrap utility poles, expanding and insulating them in the presence of heat.
ATCO Electric has been proactive in this regard, implementing wildfire-resistant pole mesh following the catastrophic Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016. Currently, about 10 percent of its distribution network is protected by this mesh, and the company is actively evaluating further enhancements to its infrastructure.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite these advancements, utility providers face inherent challenges. Gurb Hari, vice-president of engineering and construction at ATCO, acknowledged the balancing act required to manage public safety, reliability, and affordability. “We are balancing the performance of the system, public safety, reliability, and affordability when we’re managing wildfire risk,” he stated, recognising that completely eliminating wildfire risk could significantly impact rates.
Burying power lines has been suggested as a long-term solution to reduce vulnerability, but the logistical and financial implications are daunting. Nevertheless, experts believe that even incremental improvements can lead to substantial reductions in the risk of power disruptions.
Why it Matters
The threat of wildfires to Canada’s electrical grid is a pressing issue with far-reaching implications. As climate change continues to intensify the frequency and severity of these fires, the need for robust, innovative infrastructure solutions becomes increasingly critical. Remote and rural communities, already facing unique challenges, must be equipped with resilient electrical systems capable of weathering the storm. The future of these communities depends on proactive measures that not only safeguard power supply but also protect the health and wellbeing of their residents.
