LLOYDMINSTER – An investigation has been launched following an incident where an electricity substation located near the Alberta-Saskatchewan boundary was fired upon on Monday. This violent act resulted in an oil spill and left thousands of residents without power.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) reported that they received a firearms call pertaining to the Atco substation in Lloydminster, a town that straddles the provincial line between Alberta and Saskatchewan. According to the police, the facility was targeted, with a bullet striking an oil tank. This unfortunate incident caused a power outage that affected over 8,400 residents for nearly five hours, alongside the leakage of approximately 20,000 litres of oil from the damaged tank.
Initial evaluations suggest that the damage, including environmental cleanup costs, is estimated to be around $1.1 million. Such a significant financial impact underscores the seriousness of the attack on critical infrastructure.
Moreover, during the power outage, the police reported several break-ins occurring in the area; however, they have stated that there is currently no evidence linking these break-ins to the shooting incident at the substation, leaving the circumstances surrounding both incidents unclear.
Amanda Mattern, the vice-president of operations for Atco Electric, commented on the situation and the company’s response. She emphasized that Atco Electric is collaborating with an environmental management firm to address the environmental impacts of the oil spill and aims to mitigate the consequences effectively. Mattern highlighted, "Safety, environmental responsibility, and the reliable restoration of service have been our top priorities.” She expressed gratitude to the customers for their patience and understanding as their company continues to cooperate with the RCMP’s ongoing investigation.
This disturbing incident raises questions about the safety of critical utility infrastructures and the potential repercussions of violence targeting such essential services. The response from local law enforcement and utility officials showcases the urgent need to assess and ensure the safety and security of power facilities in the region. The community of Lloydminster, which relies on the Atco substation for its electricity needs, now faces the challenges of both the power outage and environmental implications of the oil spill.
As the investigation progresses, further developments are expected, and the authorities are hopeful that they will soon have leads that could help in identifying the perpetrators of this alarming act. The event emphasizes the importance of protecting infrastructure that supports daily life and the need for enhanced safety measures in vulnerable installations.
