Farm Losses Resulting from Electric Service Interruptions-A Canadian Survey

Abstract

A summary of results is presented of a postal survey of Canadian farm operators conducted to evaluate the direct and short-term costs and impacts resulting from local random electrical supply interruptions. Statistics Canada's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) was used to categorize farms into groups and subgroups, and the composition of the survey sample was intended to reflect the relative importance of the various farm categories to the geographical regions across Canada. Most Canadian utilities which serve farm customers participated in the project. The survey was designed to obtain the consumer's valuation of interruption costs using three approaches: an indirect worth evaluation based on the preparatory actions the consumer predicted he would take given a specified (un)reliability, a direct estimate of worst-case costs, and an attempt to indicate expected rate reductions commensurate with a specified reduction in reliability. Principal variations of cost estimates are briefly discussed. Information concerning primary effects of interruptions is presented, and the availability, type, and size of standby equipment are reported. >