PEI

Powerless on P.E.I.: How Islanders are coping without electricity

Hundreds of Islanders in eastern P.E.I. are coping without electricity, some for more than 48 hours.

Generators and woodstoves are getting a workout at many homes in eastern P.E.I.

The lights went out at Ina Proeber's house at about 4:30 p.m. Sunday. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

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. 

This sign near Albion Cross, P.E.I., warns drivers on Route 4 that power lines are down in the area. (Francois P. Dufault/Twitter)

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.

Wade Hawkins in Guernsey Cove invested in a generator to see him through times like this. (Krystalle Ramlakhan/CBC)

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.

With files from Krystalle Ramlakhan