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

By Eddie Sheerr·January 22, 2026 · 6:50 AM

AS OF 9:30 AM NST, THE POWER WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

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.

12 Responses

Ruth Taylor says:

January 22, 2026 at 7:13 am

Good morning Eddie and thanks for the update

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JeyK says:

January 22, 2026 at 7:17 am

Interesting update this morning, Eddie, thanks!

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Jay Kaye says:

January 22, 2026 at 8:28 am

Eddie, it’s been bitterly cold. Is there anywhere to see the windchill on your App? Am I missing it?

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Ken Tucker says:

January 22, 2026 at 9:36 am

Thanks Eddie for weather update

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Tina Head says:

January 22, 2026 at 9:51 am

Thanks Eddie

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Mansley king says:

January 22, 2026 at 10:12 am

I wonder if Quebec is on the watch??

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Cora McDonald says:

January 22, 2026 at 10:18 am

Thanks Eddie

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Juanita says:

January 22, 2026 at 10:49 am

Thanks Eddie ….

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Melinda King says:

January 22, 2026 at 10:59 am

Thanks, Eddie! Nice to be informed about this! Miss you on NTV but love your new venue as well. Have a great 2026!

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Irene says:

January 22, 2026 at 11:52 am

Thank you Eddie for the update 😀

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Fred oates says:

January 22, 2026 at 1:06 pm

Thanks for the update.

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Tony Thompson says:

January 24, 2026 at 2:08 am

Hi Eddie thanks for your weather updates and information on NL. Hydro reports. I really missed your weather reports on NTV. That is definitely thier loss!!

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