Electrical Worker Week
Thank you for celebrating Electrical Worker Week with us!
June is Electricity Month, and the City of Saskatoon is celebrating electrical workers the week of June 24-28.
Electrical workers are an important pillar of our city, ensuring power flows reliably to every corner. Braving harsh conditions and working with precision, their expertise and dedication keep Saskatoon shining.
From towering high rises to humble homes, they tirelessly install, maintain, and repair Saskatoon’s electrical grid, keeping our lights on and our lives connected. With a steady hand and unwavering dedication, they navigate the intricate labyrinth of circuits, ensuring that the electricity flows seamlessly, bringing light and life to our communities.
So, here's to the system controllers, electricians, lineworkers, technicians, metering, warehouse and administrative staff – and all those who keep the city electrified – thank you for keeping the power on.
How You Can Get Invovled
This is our chance to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication that our electrical workers demonstrate throughout the year. Here's how you can get involved:
- Say Thank You: Whether you see them working in your neighborhood or encounter them elsewhere, take a moment to express your gratitude. A simple "thank you" can go a long way in brightening their day.
- Spread Positivity: Use your social media platforms to share stories of appreciation for electrical workers. Let's flood the internet with messages of thanks and recognition for their vital contributions.
- Support Safety Measures: Remember, safety is paramount for electrical workers. Help keep them safe by reporting any hazards or concerns you notice in your area.
- Educate Others: Take this opportunity to educate your friends, family, and neighbors about the importance of electrical safety and the hard work of electrical workers in our community.
Activity: Calculating the Value of Electricity in Your Life
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Get a sheet of paper and take a few minutes to make a list of everything you use electricity for at home or at work.
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Tally how many items you wrote down.
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Get a copy of your electricity bill and locate the total amount owing on the bill for a one-month period. (A typical Canadian electricity bill is in the range of $60–$150 per month, depending on the size of your home and your region.)
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Divide this amount by 30. This is how much you pay for electricity per day on average.
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How does this number compare with everything else you pay for in your life and the value you get? (For example, your transit pass or parking costs, your cell phone bill or even your daily cup of coffee)
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Ask yourself: When was the last time you thought about electricity like this—if ever?
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So, after completing this exercise, do you think electricity delivers good value for what you pay?
This activity is featured courtesy of Electricity Canada.
Celebrating Electrical Workers at SL&P
There are different types of electrical workers employed at SL&P. Whether you're just curious about what we do or considering a career, the job descriptions and videos below will give you a basic understanding of where and how these electrical workers do their job.
System Control
The control room operator has a system-wide view and can control the flow of power to the entire electrical grid. SL&P uses advanced technology to detect issues and remotely operate the system! When the power goes out System Control provides real time information from the system, and they can remotely disconnect power if necessary. They then share information with the crews to ensure that the work is done safely and efficiently to facilitate power restoration. Watch the video: System Control
Electrical Engineering Technologist
Because their skillset is so versatile, technologists are the largest group in the Engineering Section with 12 members. They are the link between design and construction, and their work is essential because it ensures that the installation information from the field is captured and stored in our mapping system. When the power goes out, our incredible technologists step in to locate underground cable faults; their expertise is vital in restoring electricity swiftly and efficiently! Watch the video: Electrical Engineering Technologist
Meter Shop
The meter shop deals with the revenue meters, ensuring they are acquired, installed, and maintained in ways that meet or exceed the regulatory requirements and standards of Measurement Canada, while also providing exceptional customer service. Our Quality Assurance Technologist ensures the electrical meters meet strict regulatory standards for accuracy, ensuring fair measurement of electricity consumption for the public. Watch the video: Meter Room
Journeyperson Electrician
People working in this job are so important because they build, maintain, and repair the substations and network systems that are critical in providing reliable and high-quality electricity to your home and businesses. The downtown electrical network, diligently maintained by our dedicated Power Electricians, boasts 52 transformers in 20 underground vaults. Their hard work ensures the reliability of the downtown network is an astounding 99.995 percent! Watch the video: Journeyperson Electrician
Powerline Technician
People working in this job are so important because they build, maintain, and repair the underground and overhead electrical distribution and transmission lines that provide electricity to Saskatoon homes and businesses. They also help to keep our streetlighting system in tip-top shape. When the power goes out, Powerline Technicians work to restore power in rain, wind, or shine. Working with high-voltage lines is dangerous and requires specialized training and safety measures to ensure everyone remains safe. Watch the video: Powerline Technician