I have been frantically searching for official documents that contain updated information on the readiness of the hydro companies. (particularly in Canada) I went to www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/srch-edgar as well as the NERC sight among others.I need SOLID FACTUAL info! PLEASE HELP!

-- Anonymous, November 04, 1998

Answers

I take it you just found out there could be a problem. What you are seeking either doesn't exist or exists in little dribs and drabs. Further, the fate of electric distribution also lies with the fate of telecommunications. Plan on some form of outage and prepare to keep warm for at least a month. If it turns out you didn't need the woodstove, big deal. The alternative is unforgiveably frigid.

-- Anonymous, November 04, 1998

Here is the URL of a document you may want to read. The sentence below is from this document. (USA)

www.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=gao&docid=f:ai98149t.txt

For example, control systems that regulate water flow and generators in our nation's dams, which produce over 42 billion kilowatts of energy each year, could fail.

-- Anonymous, November 04, 1998

Hello, Deborah. You're not the only one who would like some solid facts, but that kind of information would have to be given out by individual electric companies themselves and for the most part all they will say is "we're working on it" and "we're confident" with few specifics. There are clues that all is not well, however. Here are some links to Canadian news reports about the contingency plans the military has been ordered to make:

Canada's Military Prepares for Y2K Emergency

Link:

http://www.montrealgazette.com/PAGES/980901/1973873.html

Canada's Military: Y2K Social Disorder Is Top Priority

Link:

http://www.wired.com/news/news/politics/story/15563.html

Canadian Military Begins Training for Y2K Crisis

Link:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/docs/news/19981027/GlobeFront/UTWOON.html

In my opinion, these articles alone are enough to provide the impetus to make some personal preparations in anticipation of disruptions. There was another report about sections of the Canadian electric grid experiencing shortages apart from any Y2K problems, but the link I had to it is no longer active. The point is that if you wait until someone says, "The power is absolutely going off," you'll wait forever- or until it does go off, and then it will be too late to do anything. The prudent thing to do is to prepare now and not take chances. The worst that can happen is that you'll be ready for any ice storms, or winter problems even if the power does stay on through 2000, and you can always use any stored food and water. Best wishes to you!

-- Anonymous, November 04, 1998