At 9:00 am NST there was a fire on a transformer at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s (Hydro) Sunnyside Terminal Station. The fire resulted in the loss of generation to customers across the island electricity system. Crews were promptly onsite at Sunnyside and contained the fire and damaged transformer.

All available resources are working towards restoration of power to customers. Hydro is working closely with Newfoundland Power to restore customers as generation becomes available. As we restore customers, heavy and cold loads may increase the possibility of system interruptions. Customers with power may continue to have periodic power interruptions.

Hydro is urging customers to continue their conservation efforts and avoid unnecessary electricity usage. In particular, customers can do the following to avoid a large surge to the system when power is restored:
• Turn off unnecessary thermostats and lights
• Turn off the hot water breaker
• Unplug electrical appliances
• Slowly turn up heat once power is restored to your home.

Hydro and Newfoundland Power will hold a media briefing at 6:00 pm NST at Hydro -Place.

For information on outages please visit call Hydro’s Customer Service Centre at 1-888-737-1296 or visit the website at www.nlh.nl.ca. Newfoundland Power can be reached at 1-800-474-5711 or visit www.newfoundlandpower.com.