Three local utility companies have been recognized for powerline safety after successfully coordinating the transfer of four massive beer tanks from Sarnia to London last November.
The oversized loads arrived at Sarnia Harbour by ship and took two days to get to their final destination in London at Labatt Brewery.
The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) presented Bluewater Power, Hydro One and London Hydro with a Powerline Safety Award, recognizing the successful transport of the enormous beer tanks, which were each over 33 metres long and 6.62 metres wide.
"This large-scale project employed best practices in safely hoisting, cutting, and reconnecting power lines, minimizing power disruptions along the route, and keeping the public in affected areas well-informed through letters or auto-dialer messages," the ESA said in a media release.
Sarnia News Today reported a total of 14 power outages were scheduled along the 86 kilometre route, and about 100 Hydro One employees would be raising and disconnecting hydro crossings along the route.
Labatt said its $26.6 million investment in its London plant would increase the capacity of the brewery's fermenting cellar by nearly 600,000 hectoliters per year. That is the equivalent of six million more bottles of beer produced annually.
The award was one of five awards presented by the ESA on September 19, 2024.
The administrative authority acts on behalf of the Government of Ontario to enhance public electrical safety in the province.
