WINNIPEG — Manitoba Hydro is reminding firearm owners to avoid shooting at electrical infrastructure.
“We ask hunters and firearm enthusiasts to think of the serious consequences that can result from taking aim at our equipment,” said Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer for Manitoba Hydro.
“We remind hunters to exercise caution when shooting at birds and other game in the vicinity of power lines, substations or other electric or natural gas facilities.”
Manitoba Hydro is issuing this reminder given findings during a recent inspection of the power line serving Cross Lake. The utility found shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls attached to the power lines crossing the Nelson River.
A preliminary examination of the wire that broke on December 28, 2025 also showed shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls and the power line itself. While it has not been established that the shotgun pellets caused the line break and subsequent outage, shooting at any electrical infrastructure can shorten its life, cause outages, and create safety risks for both the public and Manitoba Hydro employees.
The definitive cause of the break on the line remains under investigation.
While Manitoba Hydro believes there is no danger of another power outage in the immediate future, out of an abundance of caution, the utility is planning to replace the other river crossing spans of the power line serving Cross Lake showing firearm damage.
Manitoba Hydro is working with community to determine the best time for that work to take place.
Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
Enlarge image: Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
Enlarge image: Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
Enlarge image: Shotgun pellet damage to the aerial marker balls.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer
431-323-4511
pchura@hydro.mb.ca
