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Icing causes Hydro havoc in Westman and Parkland areas

By: Brandon Sun

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2012 at 12:40 PM | Comments: 0

BRUCE BUMSTEAD/BRANDON SUN Enlarge Image

Hoarfrost clings to the tree branches and fence wire in a pasture field south of the Brandon Hills on Tuesday morning.

Reoccurring hoar frost and ice accumulations over the past five days continue to cause power outages to residents in the Westman and Parkland areas, according to a Manitoba Hydro news release.

Customers have been asked to stay clear of low or sagging lines and are reminded that traveling under these lines can be dangerous. Anyone encountering a sagging or downed line is asked to immediately call Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376.

The utility has called in all available crews to address the situation, which affects a wide area stretching from the US border to Roblin, and from Saskatchewan to Pilot Mound. Hydro asks the motoring public to be aware that crews will be working on or near the roadways, and to please slow down for everyone’s safety.

Ice removal from power lines continues today and is anticipated to continue into the weekend. There are hundreds of kilometres of line where ice will need to be removed to reduce the risk of extensive unplanned outages.

As part of the ice removal efforts, Manitoba Hydro crews will be conducting numerous melts on the distribution lines across the area. Extended planned outages are required on the line while crews perform this work. The use of melting vastly increases the amount of line that can be cleaned off in a given time. It also reduces damages to the lines which eliminates many future, and more lengthy outages.

Crews are working long hours to clear as much line as possible while the wind remains low. Hydro says it's trying make sure customers have secure service for the holidays. Customers are asked to call 1‐888‐624‐9376 with any outages they are experiencing so Manitoba Hydro staff can prioritize.

Customers in the following communities will experience outages as a result of crews actively working in their area: Minnedosa, Erickson, Sandy Lake, Newdale, Stratchclair, Shoal Lake, Oakburn, Birtle, Foxwarren, Russell, San Clara, and Roblin in the Parkland area.

Customers in and around the communities of Melita, Pierson, Waskada, Cromer, Kola, Elkhorn, Virden, Oak Lake, Boissevain, Killarney and Pilot Mound will also be affected by ice rolling and melting work.

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