(as of 5:30 p.m.)
Tens of thousands of people were without power on Tuesday, which meant no heat or lights on a wintry day and many stores and offices had to shut down.
At its largest expanse, there were power outages all through southeast saskatchewan and then further northeast and wrapping around but not including Saskatoon.
The provincial government enacted its emergency measures protocol.
Premier Scott Moe stated in the Legislature today that Boundary Dam, Shand, and Poplar River Power Stations all tripped this morning and required work to be restarted. Add to that the heavy frost causing lines to fall and sag.
Late this afternoon, a few places had power restored including Cudworth, Wakaw, Carpenter, Aberdeen and Domremy and parts of Regina were slowly getting power back with all power in that city expected to be restored this evening.
All health facilities in the areas with power outages were contacted to make sure there is sufficient backup generation capacity.
Premier Moe cautions that the power outages could grow.
If your power is on, try to conserve electricity and prepare for the possibility that you may lose power.
The Ministry of Government Relations was discussing plans for emergency shelters, if needed.
Emergency Management and Fire Safety Commissioner, Duane McKay, says if the power is out in your area and you are wondering about where to go, contact your municipal leaders to see if there is an emergency shelter or warming station and to get advice about what you should do.
SaskTel was scrambling today to round up as many electrical generators as possible because the phone network runs on electricity, with battery power as backup.
MacFarlane estimates the battery life at approximately eight hours. As for the generators, they can operate on a 24 hour basis, if necessary.
Some safety tips from SaskPower:
Never use gas generators, camping stoves or BBQ’s indoors.
Keep them in well ventilated areas and do not use them to hear your home.
Conserve Water.
Avoid any unnecessary travel
If you need assistance contact your local municipality.
If you are experiencing an emergency situation call 911 immediately.