Power Quality & Voltage Standards
Understanding Power Quality
Flickering lights or brief power interruptions may indicate a power quality issue. Power quality refers to any variation in voltage, current, or frequency that affects the normal operation of electrical equipment.
Causes of Power Quality Issues
Power quality issues can originate from multiple sources:
Power Grid Factors
Transmission lines are often exposed to extreme weather conditions, equipment failures, major switching operations, and circuit overloads. These factors can cause voltage fluctuations, momentary outages, or other disturbances.
SYNERGY NORTH Distribution System
Even after power reaches the local distribution network, certain factors can still impact power quality, including:
- Transformer Issues: Equipment performance and capacity limitations can cause inconsistent voltage delivery.
- Line Interference: Trees contacting power lines, or wildlife interference can lead to power fluctuations or momentary outages.
- Weather and Strom Conditions: High winds, lightning, ice accumulation, and heavy snowfall can impact power lines and equipment, leading to service interruptions or voltage irregularities.
- Voltage Regulation Equipment: Capacitors, regulators, and other equipment help maintain stable voltage, but failures or adjustments in these systems can lead to dips or surges.
- Harmonic Distortions: Large industrial loads, high-efficiency lighting, or electronic devices can introduce harmonics, affecting power quality in surrounding areas.
- Infrastructure Upgrades or Repairs: Maintenance work, switching operations, or planned upgrades can temporarily impact power stability.
Internal Electrical Issues
Problems within a home or business can also impact power quality. These may include:
- Faulty or outdated wiring that cannot handle modern electrical loads.
- Overloaded circuits that cause frequent voltage drops.
- Large appliances cycling on and off affecting voltage stability.
- Customer-owned generators or solar systems that are improperly installed or not synchronized with the grid.
SYNERGY NORTH’s Commitment to Reliable Power
At SYNERGY NORTH we are committed to maintaining a distribution system that consistently delivers safe and reliable electricity to our customers. We adhere to industry standards and regulations set by the Ontario Energy Board to ensure power quality is maintained at all points of distribution.
Normal and Extreme Operating Voltage Ranges
SYNERGY NORTH’s Conditions of Service establishes the voltage levels for secondary distribution systems, ensuring that service voltage remains within acceptable ranges under both normal and extreme conditions.
| Nominal System Voltages | Normal Operating Conditions | Extreme Operating Conditions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Phase | ||||
| 120/240 | 110/220 | 125/250 | 106/212 | 127/254 |
| 240 | 221 | 250 | 212 | 254 |
| 600 (*) | 550 | 625 | 530 | 635 |
| Three-Phase (4 Conductor) | ||||
| 120/208Y | 112/194 | 125/216 | 110/190 | 127/220 |
| 240/416Y (*) | 224/388 | 250/432 | 220/380 | 254/440 |
| 347/600Y | 318/550 | 360/625 | 306/530 | 367/635 |
(*) No longer a standard voltage offered by SYNERGY NORTH
If the voltage falls outside of these ranges, corrective actions will be implemented based on the severity of the issue.
Power Quality Investigations
If you suspect a power quality issue in your home or business, our team can help. SYNERGY NORTH will investigate concerns by verifying the power supply at the point of entry to your property.
- If the issue is found to be on our side, whether in the power grid or the local distribution system—we will take the necessary steps to resolve it.
- If the problem is within the customer’s electrical system, the customer will be responsible for addressing it. This may require consulting a licensed electrician or installing power quality devices such as surge protectors or voltage regulators.
Customer Responsibilities
Customers are responsible for ensuring their electrical systems do not negatively affect the distribution network. This includes:
- Preventing excessive harmonics or voltage fluctuations caused by large motors, industrial equipment, or certain electronic devices.
- Maintaining power factor compliance, as inefficient power usage can lead to additional costs or penalties.
- For three-phase customers. ensuring their load is balanced.
- Ensuring customer-owned equipment, such as generators or solar inverters, complies with SYNERGY NORTH’s interconnection requirements.
If a customer’s equipment is found to be causing power quality issues, they will be required to take corrective action to comply with SYNERGY NORTH’s standards.
Notification of Service Changes
To ensure customer are informed about any modifications that may affect their service or responsibilities; SYNERGY NORTH will provide advance notice of any changes to the Conditions of Service through:
- Customer Bill Notices
- Updates on our Website
Learn More
For more details on power quality standards and procedures in Ontario, refer to the Ontario Energy Board’s Guide to Addressing Power Quality Issues.
To review SYNERGY NORTH’s official policies, please refer to our Conditions of Service.
If you think you may have a problem in your home or business related to power quality, please contact our Customer Service team.