Large-scale power outage in New Westminster, B.C., caused by squirrel, say BC Hydro

New Westminster experienced a large-scale power outage the morning of Sept. 13.

Many residents in New Westminster, B.C., who experienced a power outage Saturday morning have an unlikely culprit to blame.

According to a statement from BC Hydro issued Sunday, a squirrel caused the large-scale outage that affected the neighbourhoods of Sapperton, Glenbrook North, and Queen’s Park.

Power shut down just after 9:30 a.m., and was fully restored around an hour later.

“They determined the outage was caused by a squirrel contacting substation equipment,” BC Hydro said in the statement.

“Outages caused by animals making their way into a substation are uncommon but do happen from time to time.”

While the City of New Westminster has its own utility, BC Hydro electricians were sent to the substation to investigate, the statement said.

The City of New Westminster has been contacted, and this story will be updated once a response is received.