As P.E.I. waits for power, those with electricity offer showers, heat and stoves

Thousands of people on Prince Edward Island woke up in the dark again today, more than two weeks after post-tropical storm Fiona tore its way past the province.

Julie Laurin said in an interview that she’s on her 16th day without power in the central community of North Wiltshire, which is about 20 kilometres northwest of Charlottetown.

She says she’s lucky to have a partner and family on the Island to keep in touch with, adding that she’s worried about those who may be grappling with darkness alone.

As of about 4:30 p.m. local time, Maritime Electric was reporting outages for over 4,700 customers.

Darcie Lanthier noted in an interview that figure represents meters or accounts, adding that the total number of people struggling without electricity is much higher.

Lanthier says she and many others she knows who got their power back within the past 48 hours have thrown open their doors to offer friends and neighbours a place to take a hot shower, do laundry, cook a meal or just enjoy a warm house.

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Manitoba sending emergency support workers, equipment, to storm-ravaged P.E.I.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 9, 2022.