Bird Causes 11,812-Customer Outage in Sault Ste. Marie, June 20

A bird contact with high-voltage equipment caused a widespread power outage in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario on June 19. The outage left 11,812 customers without power starting at 6:26 a.m. PUC Services restored power to all affected customers by 7:50 a.m. the same day. The incident underscores how wildlife can disrupt critical utility infrastructure.

What Happened During the Outage

A bird made contact with high-voltage equipment at one of PUC’s transformer stations in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie. The outage began at 6:26 a.m. on June 19 and affected 11,812 customers across the city. PUC crews responded quickly and restored power to all customers by 7:50 a.m., less than 1.5 hours after the incident began.

How PUC Responded to the Emergency

PUC Services deployed crews to address the equipment damage caused by the bird. The utility posted updates on their outage map and MyPUC app to keep customers informed. PUC reminds residents that downed power lines are extremely dangerous and should never be approached or touched. Customers can report outages by calling 705-759-6500 or 705-759-6555 for emergencies.

Why Wildlife Poses a Risk to Power Systems

Birds and other animals regularly come into contact with high-voltage equipment, causing temporary service disruptions. CBC reported on the outage as part of ongoing coverage of utility challenges in northern Ontario. PUC notes that some outages result from circumstances beyond the utility’s control, including weather events and wildlife interference. The company emphasizes customer patience during restoration efforts.

Lessons for Utility Infrastructure Planning

The incident demonstrates the need for robust equipment protection at transformer stations. PUC operates the Sault Smart Grid, which aims to improve service reliability and response times. While the June 19 outage was resolved quickly, utilities across Canada continue to invest in wildlife deterrents and equipment upgrades to prevent similar incidents. Customers are encouraged to report hazards like downed lines or animals near power equipment.

Final Thoughts

A bird contact with transformer equipment caused a 1.5-hour outage affecting 11,812 customers in Sault Ste. Marie on June 19. PUC restored power quickly, but the incident highlights ongoing infrastructure vulnerabilities to wildlife interference.

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