Hydro-Québec has warned that theft of electric vehicle charging cables in Montreal has surged to three times the level recorded in 2025. The utility attributes the spike to the high value of copper contained in the cables, which makes them attractive targets for thieves.
The increase has been observed across the Greater Montreal area, prompting Hydro-Québec to step up monitoring of its charging infrastructure. Officials say the pattern emerged early in 2026 and has continued to accelerate, with multiple incidents reported in residential and commercial locations where public chargers are installed.
François Joly, a spokesperson for Hydro-Québec, confirmed the data and noted that the utility is collecting information on each incident to better understand the scope of the problem. While the utility has not released exact figures for the number of cables stolen, the three‑fold rise compared with the previous year highlights a significant shift in criminal activity focused on the metal market.
Hydro-Québec emphasizes that the theft of charging cables disrupts access to electric vehicle charging stations, potentially affecting drivers who rely on the network for daily travel. The utility is exploring additional security measures and is urging property owners to report any suspicious activity. The trend reflects broader concerns about copper theft in the province, as the metal remains a lucrative commodity for organized and opportunistic thieves alike.