Hydro‑Québec has reported a sharp increase in the theft of electric‑vehicle charging station cables across Montreal, with incidents three times higher in 2026 than in the previous year. The utility, which oversees the city’s public charging network, highlighted the surge as a growing concern for both operators and drivers who rely on the infrastructure.
The rise in thefts has been linked to the copper content of the cables, a material that fetches a price on the black market. According to Hydro‑Québec, thieves are targeting the cables specifically for their metal value, resulting in a wave of vandalism that disrupts service and incurs repair costs.
François Joly, a spokesperson for Hydro‑Québec, explained that the utility continuously monitors the condition and usage of the public charging stations throughout the city. He noted that the data collected over the past year shows a clear upward trend in cable removals, prompting the organization to assess security measures and potential preventive actions.
While the exact number of stolen cables has not been disclosed, the three‑fold increase signals a significant shift in criminal activity focused on EV infrastructure. The utility’s monitoring system records incidents of cable disappearance, and the recent figures indicate that the problem has escalated rapidly within a twelve‑month period.
Hydro‑Québec’s response includes heightened surveillance of high‑traffic charging locations and collaboration with local law‑enforcement agencies to address the thefts. The organization also urges the public to report suspicious activity around charging stations, emphasizing that prompt reporting can aid in deterring further losses.
The surge in cable thefts arrives as Montreal continues to expand its electric‑vehicle network, aiming to support the province’s climate goals. The increased criminal targeting of the infrastructure underscores the challenges of safeguarding emerging green technologies while they become more widespread throughout the city.