Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) is continuing its $20 million, multi-year capital project to upgrade the distribution system in Labrador City to meet load growth in the area. The project, which started in 2009, includes the construction of two new terminal stations and conversion of the existing distribution system to a higher voltage to enable more electrical load.

“Hydro is completing this project to further improve reliability and ensure there is a safe and reliable supply of electricity for customers in Labrador City into the future,” said Jim Haynes, Hydro’s Vice President of Regulated Operations. “Similar to areas across the provincial electricity system, the infrastructure in Labrador West is aging and requires significant investment to ensure continued reliability and additional capacity to meet growing load demands.”



Upgrades to the electricity system in the region are necessary to accommodate more people moving into the area resulting in additional housing requirements, and new businesses including a new hospital and college.



This year, Hydro will complete distribution upgrades in the area of Harrie Lake in Labrador City, which were started in 2010, and complete work on the two new terminal station sites. Commissioning of the equipment at these two new terminal stations is expected to begin this fall.

Also in 2011, Hydro will replace transformers, poles, insulators and associated hardware on distribution lines throughout Labrador City to prepare the distribution system for a higher voltage.


“This is a substantial project that involves re-building the distribution system in Labrador City and we expect to complete this work in 2013.” explained Haynes. “These upgrades will bring the system to modern standards capable of meeting future customer needs."