Newfoundland Power outage caused by vandals
The vandalism occurred recently in the early morning hours and left approximately 5,000 customers in the Torbay, Flatrock and Pouch Cove areas in Newfoundland without power during a winter storm. It appears that one of the two power transformers located at the substation was intentionally shot at, causing extensive damage to the transformer and an oil spill.
Gary Smith, Vice President of Customer Operations and Engineering for Newfoundland Power calls the incident particularly alarming. “This action was deliberate and taken without any regard for the consequences,” Smith says.
Vandalism not only compromises the electricity system, it creates a serious safety risk for Newfoundland Power employees, contractors and the vandals themselves.
“Our customers rely on us to deliver safe, reliable service, 24 hours every day,” says Smith. “Besides the power outage in the middle of a winter storm, the environmental impact and the cost, our primary concern is safety.”
Newfoundland Power will pay $5,000 to any individual for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for this crime.
Anyone with information regarding this incident, or any act of theft or vandalism to electrical equipment, is encouraged to contact their local Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary detachment or Crime Stoppers.
Related News

B.C.'s Green Energy Ambitions Face Power Supply Challenges
VANCOUVER - British Columbia's ambitious green energy initiatives are encountering significant hurdles due to a strained electrical grid and increasing demand. The province's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources is being tested by the limitations of its current power infrastructure.
Rising Demand and Dwindling Supply
In recent years, B.C. has experienced a surge in electricity demand, driven by factors such as population growth, increased use of electric vehicles, and the electrification of industrial processes. However, the province's power supply has struggled to keep pace. In fiscal year 2024, BC Hydro imported a record 13,600 gigawatt…