NL Hdryo Issues ‘Power Watch’ for Island Customers Beginning Thursday Morning

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• A Power Watch is in effect for the Island of Newfoundland starting 6:00 a.m. Thursday

• No action is required from customers at this time

• The issue is linked to frazil ice affecting the Bay d’Espoir hydro system

• All seven generating units at Bay d’Espoir are temporarily offline

• Hydro is working with Newfoundland Power to meet electricity demand

• The watch is expected to end after the morning peak demand

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has issued a Power Watch for Island customers beginning at 6:00 a.m. Thursday, January 22.

The utility emphasizes that no customer action is required at this time and expects the Power Watch to conclude once morning electricity demand decreases.

Why is a Power Watch in Effect?

According to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, severe wind and winter weather continue to impact parts of the provincial power system. The main concern involves frazil ice forming in water intake areas along the Bay d’Espoir hydroelectric system.

Due to local weather conditions and the presence of frazil ice along our Bay d'Espoir system, Hydro is advising customers that a Power Watch will be in effect for Thursday morning (January 22) for the island. This means we're watching the system closely but NO ACTION is required… pic.twitter.com/GUfmVlYZuz

— NLHydro (@NLHydro) January 22, 2026

What is Frazil Ice?

Frazil ice is a slushy, granular ice that forms in cold, turbulent, and windy conditions, most commonly in rivers and lakes. It can:

• Clump together and adhere to structures

• Clog water intake systems

• Disrupt hydroelectric power generation

While frazil ice can occur in other areas of Newfoundland and Labrador, Hydro notes it is extremely rare at the Bay d’Espoir generating station.

Impact on Power Generation

As a precaution, all seven generating units at the Bay d’Espoir plant have been taken offline.

Hydro says it is closely monitoring system conditions and is working with Newfoundland Power to ensure electricity demand continues to be met across the Island.

What Happens Next?

Crews are actively managing the situation and will provide updates as conditions evolve and units are safely returned to service.

At this time:

• No conservation request has been issued

• No outages are expected

• The Power Watch provides operational flexibility during peak demand periods

Stay Informed

For official updates, follow Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro:

• Website: https://www.nlhydro.com

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/NLHydro

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NLHydro

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/newfoundland-and-labrador-hydro

Sheerr Weather will continue monitoring the situation and will share updates if conditions change.