The numbers are down, but there are still tens of thousands of people still in the dark in New Brunswick this morning. It’s day four for many of those residents.
That includes residents in the Greater Moncton area, and thousands of others in Kent County and in the Shediac Cap Pele region, and other outlying areas as well.
NB Power updated its estimates for repairs this morning. They now say, they expect to have approximately 99 per cent of customers in Bouctouche, Moncton, Sackville, Shediac, and Sussex restored by the end of tonight.
We expect to have approx. 99% of customers in Bouctouche, Moncton, Sackville, Shediac & Sussex restored by the end of Friday night (Jan 27.)
— NB Power (@NB_Power) January 27, 2017
A Spokesperson for NB Power says crews continue work very hard to get all of the electricity restored. As of this morning, they are expected to have around 300 crews on the ground, including some from Hydro Quebec and NS Power.
Paul Doucet says he knows four days in the dark is not what anyone wants….and the frustrations are continuing to build, but despite that, the workers on the front lines, who are working to get the repairs done, are receiving a very positive reception….
Thanks for the pic of the restoration effort in Rexton this afternoon, @nancdean! https://t.co/paOWfbcQRx
— NB Power (@NB_Power) January 26, 2017
Many have received coffee and doughnuts, with thanks from residents for all of the work they do, “When the crew does show up, they’re getting a lot of thanks for their hard work and their understanding. It’s not to say that there aren’t those who aren’t upset, but the majority of the response we are getting is positive.”.
Doucet says some of them know exactly what those without power are going through, “They’re leaving their families at home and having to deal with the power outages at home as well. It’s just the nature of these storms and no one is immune from these power outages.”
We understand this is a challenging situation for those without power. We thank you for your patience as crews continue restoration efforts. pic.twitter.com/1ht9AV7OHd
— NB Power (@NB_Power) January 26, 2017
Doucet says the linesman believe the long hours have all been worth it, “The lines they are working on represent light, heat and home for the customers. They feel the pressure to get the work done, and they are motivated by it. They are working in very harsh conditions, and it’s hard work. But the gratification comes when the power is restored and they see the excitement from the residents.”
