Half of Pikangikum left without power

Pikangikum First Nation experienced a weekend with no power after its diesel generators were overwhelmed by energy demand as winter approaches.
Though power was restored following the Nov. 23-25 weekend, only two of the four generators were operational, leaving about half the community of 2,400 without power at any given moment. The community resorted to a two-hour rotation between the east and west side of the community.
“Most people depend on electricity for heating,” said Deputy Chief Jonas Strang. “It’s very inconvenient and Elders are complaining because of the lack of heat in their homes.”
Strang said there is also concern over pipes potentially freezing and losing access to the wells where the community draws its drinking water.
The First Nation declared a state of emergency on Nov. 26. Aboriginal Affairs and Development Canada (AANDC) responded by authorizing retroactive funding for new blankets and gas heaters while sending a technician to the remote community.
Strang said they hope 2,000 pounds worth of equipment will be flown into the community by Dec. 3 and that power will be completely restored by Dec. 5.
But even once full power is restored, Strang said electricity will still be a problem. The community was already maxed to capacity prior to the breakdown.
“We saw this becoming a problem once those other (generators) were not being repaired,” Strang said. The leadership had been requesting funds from AANDC to repair existing generators but to no avail. Strang said it was not until the First Nation declared an emergency that the federal government respond.
The First Nation has also been trying to connect itself to the electric grid. Since 2006, the federal government committed $1.4 million to grid development work, including tendering contracts and implementation oversight, which is all to be undertaken by the First Nation.
While the leadership claims the federal government ceased hydro discussions with the First Nation three years ago, AANDC insisted it is incumbent on the community to reach the next stage before discussions can resume.
AANDC also said it committed $2.6 million for upgrades to Pikangikum’s diesel generators but said new housing subdivisions and other infrastructure projects have claimed much of that new capacity.