Strait Talk Ep. 45

Kevin Moore, Nova Scotia Power’s Project Implementation Lead, speaks with civic journalist Jake Boudrot about the company’s project to replace submarine power cables serving customers in Isle Madame.

Last October, Nova Scotia Power (NSP) provided an update on the project, explaining that Isle Madame customers are connected to the power grid by three submarine cables crossing Lennox Passage. Installed in the 1980s, these cables are now reaching the end of their service life.

Over the past few years, NSP’s project team has engaged with Nova Scotia Public Works, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and various community groups to determine the best solution for upgrading this connection. This process has included marine surveys of the crossing.

Moore was asked about the duration of the engagement process, the size and composition of the project team, which community groups were consulted, and the specifics of the marine surveys conducted.

Through this engagement, NSP determined that replacing the existing cables with new submarine cables was the best option for both customers and the community, considering the fishing activity in the area.

Moore was asked how the company arrived at this conclusion.

NSP decided that the best approach is to install new underground cables within a protective conduit, placed in bedrock using horizontal directional drilling. This process involves drilling into the ground on the Burnt Island side and continuing beneath the bedrock to the other side.

When asked about the estimated duration of this work, Moore explained that drilling beneath the seabed took place last fall to install the protective pipe, with cable installation planned for later this year.

Moore was also asked when work will resume in 2025. While he could not provide an exact date, NSP stated that work will take place after the bird nesting season and once the bridge is closed to marine traffic. The company does not anticipate bridge closures for vehicle traffic, though lane closures and traffic control measures may be required.

Moore was asked whether traffic flow on and off Isle Madame would be affected.

NSP also acknowledged that the work will generate some noise but emphasized that it will be comparable to standard road construction projects. The company assured residents that crews will operate within noise bylaw parameters.

Moore was asked to clarify the expected noise levels in decibels.

NSP further noted that a planned power outage will be necessary when the new cables are energized. Moore was asked how long this service disruption will last and when it is expected to occur.