N.L. Hydro adding more electric vehicle charging stations across the province
Charging station use increased by 40 per cent, company says
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is adding 11 ultra-fast charging stations along the Trans-Canada Highway in 2025, as more people switch from gas pumps to electric plugs.
Hydro held its annual general meeting in St. John's on Tuesday, where CEO Jennifer Williams said demand for electric car infrastructure is rising in the province.
"There is a fallacy, I think, that some folks really think that the demand is dropping off, but we are seeing an increase in demand," Williams told reporters.
In 2024, Hydro saw a 40 per cent increase in the number of charging sessions at its charging stations compared to 2023.
The addition of some ultra-fast charging stations will give compatible vehicles a boost in less time.
Williams said most of Hydro's charging sessions were reported on the TCH.
"It changes the experience from about an hour, or a little bit less than an hour of charge time for the car to go up to 80 per cent, to less than 20 minutes," she said. "Get your Tims, use the washroom and you're good to go."
CBC News has asked Hydro to provide a list of where the new charging stations will be located.
During Tuesday's meeting, Williams said at least one will be placed in Conne River.
"We have the ability to put in charging infrastructure, and that's exactly what we're doing," she said.
Significant year
Last year was busy for Hydro, following the signing of the Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding with Hydro Quebec and the evacuation of Churchill Falls in June due to wildfires that miraculously left the company town unscathed.
"I'm not sure I've ever been more proud to deliver an annual report about your Crown utility. This past year was transformational and memorable," Williams said.
Hydro, alongside the province, also committed to a rate mitigation plan in 2024 to subsidize power rates until 2030 — costing the corporation $2 billion over the next six years.
The proposed plan is to cap residential domestic rate increases on the island at 2.25 per cent annually to cover Muskrat Falls and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro costs.
Former energy minister Andrew Parsons said that will result in savings for affected consumers. The commitment resulted in a decrease in Hydro's net income from $619 million in 2023 to $479 million in 2024.
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