Crews Work to Restore Power to Manitoba First Nation by Thursday

Efforts are underway to restore power to the Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba, which has been without electricity since December 31, 2025. The outage has affected approximately 7,000 residents of the remote First Nation community. Manitoba Hydro has indicated that they aim to have power restored by Thursday evening as repair crews work to address a downed power line.

Challenges in Restoration Efforts

The power outage originated when a line crossing the Nelson River failed, prompting immediate action from Manitoba Hydro. Repair teams are currently facing significant challenges due to the location and difficult terrain, which have complicated access to the site of the damage.

According to Jeff Betker, a vice-president at Manitoba Hydro, crews are actively working to clear a road to facilitate repairs. He emphasized that the work is constrained by various factors, including weather conditions that affect helicopter operations. “We appreciate the difficulty this outage is causing the community,” Betker stated. “Our employees are making every effort to safely restore power as quickly as possible.”

Community Impact and Past Struggles

This incident marks yet another challenging period for the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, which has already faced significant hardships this year. Many residents were displaced earlier due to summer wildfires, adding to the community’s difficulties. The loss of power exacerbates the situation for families and individuals already dealing with the aftermath of the fires.

As repair efforts continue, Manitoba Hydro remains committed to addressing the outage promptly. The agency has reiterated its dedication to the safety and well-being of the residents, working diligently to restore essential services to the community. The situation remains dynamic as crews assess conditions and make progress toward restoring power.