Repeated power outages following storm cause frustration in Upper Pontiac

Repeated power outages following storm cause frustration in Upper Pontiac

Residents of the Upper Pontiac have recently had more headaches caused by power outages, after heavy rainfall on Monday seems to have resulted in another widespread outage that was only resolved mid-day Tuesday.

The region is known for its numerous power outages, which have long frustrated residents and elected officials. Hydro-Quebec announced major upgrades in May to make the area’s service more resilient, but they are still several years from completion.

Waltham Mayor Odette Godin said that her power went out Monday afternoon and after eventually being restored a few hours later, fluctuated several times throughout the evening before going out again early Tuesday morning.

MRC Pontiac public safety coordinator Julien Gagnon said that a Hydro-Quebec representative called a video-conference with local officials Tuesday morning to offer their apologies, but hadn’t yet pinpointed the cause of the repeat outages at that time. He said that partway through the video-conference they received word that power had been restored to the area.

The affected municipalities received the following statement from Hydro-Quebec on Tuesday addressing this latest spate of outages:

“We recognize that the past few hours have been particularly challenging, and we want to acknowledge that the level of service you expect—and deserve—has not been met,” the statement reads. “Please know that our teams are on the ground this morning working diligently to identify the problematic areas. At this time, the root cause has not yet been determined, but we are fully mobilized to resolve the situation as quickly as possible.”

Gagnon added that while it was good to see Hydro-Quebec being more proactive in their communication, lengthy outages can be a real safety concern.