BC Hydro has never seen this type of situation before on the Campbell River hydroelectric system.
There are two generating units in the powerhouse. Generator number two is down for annual maintenance and major upgrades and until then, generator one is providing the water flow downstream.
But, the question is, what if generator one has a major equipment failure and takes weeks to fix?
BC Hydro spokesperson Stephen Watson says under such a situation, normally, water would be passed through the spillway gates. The concern is the potential water passage through the spillway gates is declining daily as the upstream reservoir level drops.
Watson says it’s a low risk, but they are looking to pass more water into the lower Campbell Reservoir, to avoid problems if generator number one fails.
Waston adds Generator number two will be up and running after the hot summer.
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