Quebec ministers: a third of Quebecers without power will get it back within 24 hours

Quebec Energy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon and Public Security Minister François Bonnardel met with journalists Thursday morning to provide an update to the public as over 1 million Quebecers are still without power across the province due to the ice storm – with about half of those in Montreal.

There are currently 2,100 outages in Quebec – and 25 per cent of those touch over 1,000 properties. Strategically Hydro Quebec repair teams will target those first.

The ministers promising that about a third of those without power should have it restored within 24 hours. The rest should have it back over the weekend.

There are currently some 1,100 workers from Hydro Quebec and other companies working hard to bring back power. Other provinces have also offered to help.

“The resources are there. The problem is very localized, it’s of course a problem with Montreal,” said Fitzgibbon.

Both minister reassuring the population that they were ready for this storm and all is under control. “There is no major danger in the province right now,” said Minister Bonnardel.

They are also reminding Quebecers not to use any propane items inside your home. “Don’t go camping in your living room. It’s not worth the risk,” added Bonnardel.

The population is asked to follow the Urgence Quebec accounts on social media for regular updates.

“InfoPanne is live as we speak and will tell people when they can expect power back. There were a lot of 911 calls made yesterday while the storm was happening but the rate of calls is back to normal today,” said Bonnardel.

Two emergency centres have been set up for those without power, one in Laval, another in the Outaouais region.

Officials are also ensuring critical services, such as hospitals, have generators so losing power is not an issue.

Regarding the large costs associated to damages Bonnardel said: “We are doing everything in our power right now to bring the power back as soon as possible, then we will evaluate if money needs to be given to municipalities.”

Minister Fitzgibbon says energy security in Quebec is a priority.

There will be a second status update for the population at 11 a.m. Thursday from Hydro Quebec.

Premier Francois Legault is also on route to Montreal.