I checked with the locals about their source of power. In Visions, Spencer said they seemed to have a source of power in the camps. Cardston does not have its own grid, but appears to be part of a Provincial power scheme with large coal generation plants to the north - but they do have their own local windmills - and quite a bit of them. I am sure those could de-couple from the grid and supply power locally. There will be a lack of water, generally speaking in those times, so hydro power may not be an option. It appears that Waterton Lakes Reservoir has a small hydro installation. That was a LARGE dam - we drove over it on the way to Pincher Creek:
I think that Spencer was correct in his assessment about power.
It appears that this reservoir supplies irrigation water to many of the farms in the region. The people of that area have optimized their resources and it truly is a land of milk and honey. Moreso this year than most as rainfall levels there are way above normal.
Cardston does own the electrical infrastructure in town. It is billed out with one of provincial providers and the power comes from the province as well. The town owns its electric.
ReplyDeleteSteveB