Thousands of households in the West Island of Montreal were left without power as temperatures soared on Tuesday. According to Hydro-Québec, over 10,000 customers were affected by the power outage, which was caused by equipment failure.
The power outage began around 2:30 p.m. and lasted for several hours, leaving residents without electricity during the hottest part of the day. Many took to social media to express their frustration and concern, with some reporting that their air conditioning units were not working.
Hydro-Québec crews worked tirelessly to restore power to the affected areas, and by 6 p.m., the majority of customers had their electricity back. However, some residents reported that their power was still out as late as 9 p.m.
The power outage came at a particularly difficult time, as temperatures in the West Island reached a high of 28 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. With the heat index, it felt closer to 35 degrees Celsius, making it uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for those without access to air conditioning.
Hydro-Québec has apologized for the inconvenience and assured customers that they are working to determine the cause of the equipment failure. They also reminded customers to stay hydrated and seek shelter in a cool place if necessary.
This is not the first time that the West Island has experienced a power outage during a heatwave. In 2018, over 30,000 customers were left without electricity for several hours due to a similar equipment failure.
Residents are reminded to always have a backup plan in case of a power outage, especially during extreme weather conditions. This can include having a supply of bottled water, non-perishable food, and a battery-powered fan or flashlight.
As the summer months continue, it is important for Hydro-Québec to ensure that their equipment is properly maintained to prevent future power outages. In the meantime, residents of the West Island can rest assured that the power has been restored and they can continue to stay cool during the hot weather.
