Petty Harbour Generating Station
The Petty Harbour Hydro Electric Generating Station is a hydroelectric generating station in Petty Harbour-Maddox Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador. It was constructed in 1898 and it was the first generating station of its kind in Newfoundland and Labrador.[1] It was built by the St. John's Street Railway Company, a company established by Robert Reid. Operation commenced on 19 April 1900.
In 1920 Reid renamed the company the St. John's Light and Power Company. On 7 February 1921, an avalanche destroyed 23 m (75 ft) of the wooden penstock that carried water from the dam to the generating station, cutting off all electrical power to St. John's for almost five days.[2] Then, in 1924, the plant changed ownership to the Royal Securities Corporation of Montreal, where they began extensive reconstruction of the plant and watershed area.
On 1 May 1978, the plant was entered in the Canadian Engineering Heritage Record as a model reflecting progressive adaptation to emerging technology, and remains today as one of the few plants of its type still in active service.
Some interesting facts about the generating station:
- 975 metres (3,199 ft) of woodstave penstock
- 107 metres (351 ft) of tunnel blasted through Gull Hill
- 55 metres (180 ft) of steel penstock
- 500 V, original Westinghouse generator
- 2,100 horsepower (1.6 MW) Voith turbines installed in 1908
Coordinates: 47°27′54.99″N 52°42′44.78″W / 47.4652750°N 52.7124389°W
References
- ↑ McBride, Michelle. "Hydro Development in Newfoundland and Labrador". Memorial University of Newfoundland. Retrieved 2009-01-21.
- ↑ "Petty Harbour Hydro-Electric Generating Station". Canada's Historic Places, Administered by Parks Canada. Retrieved 2011-04-11.