Taltson Hydro Unit returns to service as repairs are finally completed

It was recently shared by a handful of GNWT leaders that the Taltson Hydro Unit is back in operation, and is once again providing primary power to customers in Fort Smith, Fort Resolution and Hay River as well as to Naka Power Utility customers in the South Slave.

The announcement was made by Caroline Wawzonek, the Minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation, and by Cory Strang, the President and CEO of NTPC.

“The return to service of Taltson marks an important milestone for NTPC. Despite the extended shutdowns over the past several years, the investments made in the hydro unit and supporting infrastructure will ensure that South Slave communities and customers will have access to clean hydropower for decades to come. At a time of fast-rising diesel prices, the return to hydro is extremely helpful in keeping generation costs as low as possible.” Strang said in a release.

When the Taltson unit went offline this summer for its annual maintenance shutdown, the primary goal was to complete outstanding work remaining from the Taltson Overhaul Project. An inspection in late July found that a corrosion issue in the 60-year-old surge tank was more extensive than previously thought.

Taltson had to remain offline until it could be safely returned to service when the surge tank issue was resolved. A remediation plan was developed, and work was completed just a few weeks ago.

The cost of the surge tank remediation project is currently estimated at approximately $36 million, including fuel costs during the shutdown.