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Work on a downed power line supplying Pimicikamak Cree Nation has been completed.
Manitoba Hydro began gradually re-energizing customers throughout the community this afternoon.
The utility said this work had to be done in stages to avoid overloading the system and potentially damaging equipment.
“When power comes back on after an extended outage, furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and other appliances will try to start at once, drawing more power than usual — and creating a power surge that can trigger another outage,” said Manitoba Hydro. “If you notice your neighbours have electricity before you do, please continue to be patient. The whole process could take up to six hours.”
Manitoba Hydro staff are working closely with community leaders and expect power to be fully restored to all customers this evening, if all goes well.
“We again thank all of our customers in the community for their understanding and patience as we worked through this difficult repair and now begin the re-energization process,” said Hal Turner, Manitoba Hydro’s Chief Operating Officer. “We know this has been a difficult time for everyone.”
Power has been out in the community since Sunday night. During the outage, Manitoba Hydro supplied a large generator to restore power to a water treatment plant, and eight generators to power eight heavy duty heaters for the community’s use.
Approximately 20 Hydro employees have been working in the community to repair the damaged power line, which spans 300 metres between two islands in the Nelson River. It is also situated in an area where the ice was not thick enough to support vehicles, requiring helicopters and ferries to transport equipment and materials.
Despite these challenges and temperatures sitting around -30 C, crews were able to complete the work safely and successfully.
