Testing of the Labrador Island Link is scheduled to take place over the next two days.
The tests were initially scheduled to take place earlier this month, but had to be postponed.
Essentially, the test is to ensure that the LIL can operate during peak winter conditions at its highest levels, which is 900 MW.
The link consists of two poles – or wires – that carry power to the island. During the test, one pole will be intentionally and suddenly shut down, with the expectation that there will be a seamless transition of power to the second pole.
NL Hydro says while “every precaution” is being taken to avoid an outage, there is always the possibility. If there is an outage, they hope to have affected customers back online in less than 30 minutes.
(Labrador Island Link. Photo via Nalcor.)
Hydro has successfully completed tests at 475 and 700 MW in the past.
While the LIL is designed to be operated at up to 900 MW, Hydro says demand “rarely” reaches full capacity – even in the winter.
It says the system currently operates at its 700 MW limit – noting that during the ice event at Bay d’Espoir two months ago it reached 785 MW.
If the system passes the test, the LIL will be fully available to operate up to 900 MW.
Testing of the first pole will take place at 9:30 this morning, while the second pole will be tested at the same time tomorrow.
