NL Hydro Urges Energy Conservation as Ice Clearing Delays Power at Bay d’Espoir Plant

NL Hydro Urges Energy Conservation As Bay d’Espoir Plant Recovers From Icing Event

Published January 25, 2026

Icing Event Impacts Power Generation

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) is requesting residents to voluntarily conserve energy following an icing event that impacted operations at the Bay d’Espoir Generating Station. While progress was made overnight to remove ice accumulation, the utility remains cautious about system stability.

Officials issued a “Power Warning” to homeowners yesterday, signaling the possibility of rolling blackouts to maintain grid reliability. This precautionary measure underscores the challenges presented by winter weather conditions to power infrastructure.

Restoration Efforts underway

NL Hydro reports that electricity generation has resumed on some units at the Bay d’Espoir plant. Systems are returning online progressively as ice is cleared, a process that requires careful monitoring to prevent further disruptions. The utility is prioritizing a safe and steady return to full operational capacity.

The Canadian electrical Association notes that icing events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, placing increasing strain on power grids across the country. Learn more about grid resilience.

Understanding Power Warnings and Conservation

A “Power Warning” advises customers that the electrical system is under stress and that involuntary rolling blackouts might potentially be necessary to prevent a wider outage. Conserving energy during these periods is crucial to reducing demand and mitigating the risk of disruptions.

Here’s a snapshot of typical energy consumption for common household appliances:

Appliance	Average Power Draw (watts)
Refrigerator	150-200
Television	100-200
air Conditioner	500-1500
Electric Heater	1000-3000

Simple steps like lowering thermostats, postponing laundry, and minimizing the use of high-energy appliances can make a critically important difference.

Looking Ahead

NL Hydro will continue to monitor conditions at the Bay d’espoir plant and provide updates as they become available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed thru official channels and to prepare for the possibility of short-term disruptions. The utility’s website provides valuable resources on energy conservation and outage preparedness. Visit NL Hydro’s website for real-time updates.

Do you have a home emergency plan in place for potential power outages? What are your go-to strategies for conserving energy during a “Power Warning?”

VOCM News will continue to follow this developing story.

What is frazil ice and how is it impacting the power generation at the Bay d’Espoir plant?

NL Hydro Urges Energy Conservation as Ice Clearing delays Power at Bay d’Espoir Plant

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro) is asking residents to voluntarily conserve energy as crews work to clear frazil ice buildup impacting operations at the Bay d’Espoir Hydro Generating Plant. The plant, the largest in the province, is currently experiencing reduced output due to the challenging winter conditions.

Understanding the Ice Issue: Frazil Ice & Hydroelectric Generation

The current situation stems from the formation of frazil ice. This isn’t typical, large ice floes, but rather a slushy mixture of ice crystals that forms in fast-flowing, supercooled water. Recent high winds combined with a critically important temperature drop have accelerated its creation in the Bay d’Espoir reservoir.

This frazil ice is then drawn into the plant’s intakes, blocking the flow of water needed to power the turbines. Bay d’Espoir boasts seven generating units, crucial for meeting the island’s overall electricity demands, and any disruption impacts the entire provincial power grid.

Current status & Restoration Efforts

As of January 25, 2026, NL Hydro crews are actively working to remove the ice buildup from the intakes. This is a complex process,requiring specialized equipment and careful execution to avoid damage to the plant infrastructure. The utility has not yet provided a firm timeline for full restoration of power generation capacity, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the ice formation.

The situation is being closely monitored, and NL Hydro is providing updates through its website and social media channels. Residents are encouraged to check these sources for the latest details.

Why Conserve Energy Now?

Even a temporary reduction in power generation capacity can strain the system, particularly during peak demand periods. Conserving energy now helps to:

* Stabilize the Grid: Reducing overall demand lessens the pressure on the remaining generating sources.

* Minimize Potential Outages: Conservation efforts can definately help prevent rolling blackouts or other emergency measures.

* support Restoration Efforts: Lower demand allows NL Hydro to focus resources on clearing the ice and restoring full plant capacity.

Simple Steps to Reduce Your energy Consumption

here are practical ways you can contribute to energy conservation:

* Lower Your Thermostat: Reducing your thermostat by just a few degrees can make a significant difference. Consider 19°C (66°F) as a comfortable and energy-efficient setting.

* Limit Non-Essential Appliance Use: Defer using energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers until off-peak hours (typically evenings and weekends).

* Unplug Electronics: Many electronics continue to draw power even when turned off (“phantom load”). Unplug chargers, TVs, and other devices when not in use.

* Use Energy-Efficient Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs,which use significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs.

* Reduce Lighting Use: Turn off lights in rooms you’re not using.

* Shorter Showers: Reducing shower time conserves hot water, which requires energy to heat.

* Bundle Up: Wear warmer clothing indoors to reduce the need for heating.

Impact on Newfoundland & Labrador’s Power Supply

The Bay d’Espoir plant is a cornerstone of newfoundland and Labrador’s electricity infrastructure. Its reduced output highlights the challenges of operating hydroelectric facilities in a cold climate.While NL Hydro has diversified its energy sources in recent years,hydroelectric power remains a vital component of the province’s energy mix.

This event underscores the importance of ongoing investment in grid modernization and renewable energy development to enhance the province’s energy security and resilience. The province also relies on thermal generation and wind power to supplement hydroelectricity,but the Bay d’Espoir plant’s capacity is ample.

Long-Term solutions & Infrastructure Resilience

NL Hydro is continually evaluating strategies to mitigate the impact of frazil ice formation. These include:

* Intake Design Improvements: Exploring modifications to intake structures to reduce ice accumulation.

* ice Forecasting Technology: Investing in advanced monitoring and forecasting systems to predict frazil ice events.

* Operational Procedures: Refining operational procedures to optimize plant performance during periods of ice buildup.

* Diversification of Energy Sources: Continuing to develop and integrate renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to reduce reliance on any single generating facility.

Staying Informed

For the latest updates on the situation at the Bay d’Espoir plant and energy conservation tips, please visit the NL Hydro website: https://newcountrynl.ca/2026/01/23/nl-hydro-clearing-ice-from-intakes-to-get-bay-despoir-hydro-plant-back-up-and-running/ and follow them on social media. Your cooperation in conserving energy is greatly appreciated.