Starting the week July 20th 2020, Hydro Ottawa as well as the civil contractor will commence a project that involves the installation of a new duct structure (road crossing) on Oakley Avenue, 65m north of Carling Avenue and the replacement of 3 transformers. The pole line on the east side of Oakley Avenue will also be removed (any existing overhead services will be undergrounded). This work is necessary in order to ensure the safety and reliability of electricity supply to the community.
Overall, this project includes:
- Excavation activities to permit the construction and installation of primary conduits and duct banks in the road right-of-way located on Oakley Avenue (between Carling Avenue and Wylie Avenue.)
- Final grading of the road surface;
- Convert one customer from an overhead service to an underground service;
- Provide an underground service for a City of Ottawa streetlight disconnect;
- Replacements of transformers that will provide safer and quicker operation for our powerline maintainers;
- Replacement of a transformer base and transformer on Oakley Avenue.
- The replacement of two rear yard transformers on the east side of Oakley Avenue. In order to safely place the new transformers we may require the use of a crane which will necessitate the closure of Oakley Avenue on that specific day (yet to be determined).
- Removal of existing Hydro Ottawa overhead pole line on the east side of Oakley Avenue.
Starting July 20, and over a period of approximately 6 weeks, Hydro Ottawa’s civil contractor will be undertaking excavation activities to install the new duct bank systems. Once the civil work has been completed, Hydro Ottawa will be moving forward with the replacement and installation of the three new transformers, impacting a total of approximately 20 customers.
Each transformer is an integral part of our electrical distribution system and is required to providing reliable electricity to several homes. In order to safely undertake their replacement, planned power interruptions will be required.
Our preliminary plan estimates that the work will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to complete. The plan is to perform 1 transformer replacement per day that will require power interruption of 8 to 10 hours in duration impacting 6 to 10 premises/customers each.
Once the above work has successfully been completed, Hydro Ottawa will move forward with the removal of the overhead pole line on the east side of Oakley Avenue. Finally, any clean-up and reinstatement work will be completed bringing the project to completion.
Residents will notice increased construction presence throughout the delivery of this important project, including excavation activities and construction vehicles. Traffic control will be implemented when required to ensure that roads remain safe and accessible to residents and staff. The majority of the work will be completed weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Understanding that this is a sensitive time with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many residents are working from home; we recognize that any construction activities and planned power interruption can be very disruptive. As such, we want to assure you that all construction activities and power interruptions will be scheduled and planned very carefully. Our crews will be working as quickly and safely as possible to minimize disruption. All precautionary measures will be taken when accessing easements and Road Right-of-Way to ensure social distancing and public health guidelines are respected.
Project location: Oakley Avenue
Estimated start date: July 20th 2020 Estimated completion date: September 4th 2020
Power interruption duration: 8 to 10 hours (for each transformer replacement)
Total Impacted customers: 20 Residential customers
Customers impacted by planned power interruptions related to this project, will be contacted by Hydro Ottawa at least 72 hours prior to the power interruption taking place, by phone, text, email and/or written notice delivered to their door. Customers will also be notified if the power interruption is to extend beyond the original duration time. In case of adverse weather, the power interruption maybe re-scheduled.
What impacted customers should know and how to get prepared for an extended power interruption:
- Have a flashlight and batteries readily available.
- Charge electronic devices prior to the power interruption.Turn off all lights, unplug appliances and electronics.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible.
- Use generators, camp stoves and barbeques outdoors only.
- If you require an uninterrupted supply of power, including for specialized medical equipment, ensure that you have a back-up supply.
Be assured that all residents in the affected area will receive advanced notice of the project and be provided with a point of contact.
