Team at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro honored for bravery during wildfire crisis

In June 2024, a catastrophic wildfire near Churchill Falls in Canada escalated dramatically, leading to an evacuation order for the town, which is home to approximately 750 residents and features one of the world's largest underground hydroelectric generating stations. As the fire intensified, the local team at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro faced a critical challenge: ensuring the safety of residents while maintaining essential electricity generation for local communities and beyond. Despite the imminent threat, a dedicated crew made the courageous decision to stay behind to operate the generating station. Over several days of crisis, this team prioritized power needs over their personal safety, demonstrating remarkable commitment to their roles and the welfare of others. In an unprecedented turn of events, the forest fire jumped the Churchill River, prompting the implementation of a 'last person standing' protocol, a first in the history of the facility. This meant that, for the first time, the plant would be left unattended while the crew ensured the safety of local inhabitants and monitored the situation remotely. The crew showcased their ingenuity by creating firebreaks and bulldozer paths to protect both the town and the generating station infrastructure from the encroaching fire. Moreover, they prepared contingency plans to mitigate potential hazards, including the risks of smoke impacting power lines and possible shutdowns. Thanks to their extensive planning and innovative responses, the team maintained uninterrupted power to customers even in the face of growing danger. These actions not only reflected their technical expertise but also a deep-seated commitment to duty and care for those relying on their services. As a result, Electricity Canada recognized this extraordinary effort and announced the creation of a new award, the Extraordinary Service award, to honor the bravery and selflessness demonstrated during such a challenging period. The award ceremony took place on November 26, 2024, where Francis Bradley, President and CEO of Electricity Canada, recognized the courage and innovative spirit of the crew at Churchill Falls. Jennifer Williams, President and CEO of Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on the dedication of her team and their collaborative efforts with the government and the local community to overcome the crisis. The creation of this award serves as a powerful testament to the importance of courageous leadership and community commitment in the electricity sector during emergencies.