Nearly 25,000 Homes Lose Power Amid Freezing Cold Temperatures
Frigid temperatures have led to widespread power outages in Quebec, affecting nearly 25,000 homes during a severe cold snap. As temperatures plunge, many residents are left without electricity, prompting emergency measures.
Significant Power Outages in Quebec
On Sunday morning, around 5,000 households remained without power as the region faced a polar vortex. Initially, Hydro-Québec reported that around 18,000 customers were affected early in the day.
Areas Most Affected
The majority of the outages have been concentrated on the Island of Montreal, particularly in Côte-Saint-Luc. Cendrix Bouchard, a spokesperson for Hydro-Québec, mentioned that equipment failure at the Hampstead substation was a primary cause of these outages.
- Approximately 18,000 homes without power.
- 5,000 households still in the dark by Sunday morning.
- Majority located in Côte-Saint-Luc.
Efforts to Restore Power
Hydro-Québec officials have stated that some residents may experience extended outages, possibly lasting until Monday. Bouchard assured that service would gradually be restored for thousands more in the coming hours, but he could not confirm when full service would return for all customers.
Emergency Measures in Place
In response to the ongoing crisis, emergency shelters opened on Saturday in the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce borough. These centers provide a warm place for residents to stay overnight, eat, and warm up.
Record Electricity Demand
The extreme cold has prompted a record demand for electricity in the region, marking a high point for Hydro-Québec’s winter season. Residents are advised to stay warm and follow updates from local authorities as efforts to address the outages continue.
