Taltson Generating Station – Site Inspections and Testing
Industry:
Energy & Hydropower
Client:
GHD Consultants for Northwest Territories Power Corporation (NTPC)
Location:
Northwest Territories, Canada
Timeline:
August – September 2020
Opportunity
Detailed inspections and non-destructive testing as part of a larger overhaul project to maintain reliability and extend the operational life of Taltson Hydropower Station, originally commissioned in 1965. The goal was to assess the condition of key electrical and mechanical systems and ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.
Solution
In partnership with GHD Consultants, Juno provided specialized electrical expertise for the development and execution of a comprehensive inspection and testing plan (ITP) for the hydropower station’s electrical systems.
Key services included:
- Development of ITP, ensuring all inspections and tests met industry standards.
- On-site electrical inspections and testing, including transformer oil sampling, Megger testing of switchgear, servicing breakers, and inspection of motor control centers (MCCs).
- Oversight of the electrical team during protection and control system inspections and coordination with other contractors for site services and construction planning.
- Protection and control system testing, including field investigations and preparation of as-built drawings for system upgrades.
Our Role
Electrical Testing & Inspection
- Led the development of a detailed inspection and test plan (ITP) for electrical equipment.
- Coordinated the transformer oil sampling and diagnostic testing, including dissolved gas analysis (DGA).
- Conducted Megger testing of high-voltage cables, switchgear, and transformer windings.
- Supervised the inspection and maintenance of the station’s protection and control systems.
- Managed on-site teams for electrical testing activities and provided recommendations for ongoing maintenance.
Our Team
Brad Fuhr, P. Eng, PE
Steven Gong, P. Eng, M. Eng, MBA, Master Electrician
Chris Dedeurwaerder
Electrical Engineeer
Taltson Hydropower Station at Twin Gorges, Northwest Territories
The facility, originally commissioned in 1965, continues to support regional power needs. Our work focused on preserving long-term reliability of its core electrical systems.
Station substation during inspection and testing
On-site services included Megger testing of switchgear, transformer
oil sampling, and coordination with station operations.
Cable routing along station exterior
We coordinated with civil teams to evaluate environmental exposure
risks and long-term durability of existing electrical installations.
Detail view of energized components during inspection
All testing was performed under strict safety protocols, with
results used to guide asset lifecycle planning.
High-voltage components inspected during electrical testing
Testing included insulation resistance measurements and
condition assessments of aging switchgear assets.
Interior structure at Taltson Generating Station
As-built documentation was updated following field verification
of electrical layouts and control systems.
Overhead infrastructure supporting protection systems
Elevated inspections were performed as part of the protection and control testing scope.
Remote access to Taltson via float plane
Mobilization and scheduling were managed efficiently to minimize site disruption while working in remote northern terrain.
On-site team executed inspection and testing procedures
Our electrical specialists led all testing activities and provided detailed recommendations for ongoing maintenance.
Aerial perspective of Taltson Generating Station
The inspection plan covered the full electrical scope—from transformers and MCCs to protection relays and system integration.