Powerless on P.E.I.: How Islanders are coping without electricity
Sara Fraser | CBC News | Posted: November 29, 2016 8:00 PM | Last Updated: November 29, 2016
Generators and woodstoves are getting a workout at many homes in eastern P.E.I.
Hundreds of Islanders in eastern P.E.I. are coping without electricity, some for more than 48 hours.
A snow and ice storm Sunday evening into Monday morning knocked out power to about 12,000 Islanders, downing about 100 power poles. Maritime Electric crews have been working 24/7 to restore power but say it's been difficult.
"A learning curve, something else we have to learn, and to deal with," said Ina Proeber, who has been without power since 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
Besides no heat or lights, Proeber has no water to drink, shower or flush the toilet, because her water pump relies on electricity too — but she has been able to purchase bottled water.
"Thankfully there's rain barrels outside, so we could dip into that," Proeber smiled, adding she wished she was better prepared.
Luckily for Proeber, her three dogs and two cats, her home also has a wood stove for heat.
Power out since Sunday
Wade Hawkins in Guernsey Cove has been using a generator for tasks like boiling water since he lost power Sunday around 5 p.m.
Many power poles and lines remain down in the Guernsey Cove area.
Just tweet it
Meanwhile, Islanders without power managed to find ways to take to social media to update their status.
Maritime Electric has said it could be Thursday before it will be able to restore power to some customers.
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