Hydro-Québec is reporting extensive power outages across Gatineau on Tuesday morning.
The company says power went off because of an equipment failure at about 11:15 a.m.
“The triggering of protection mechanisms in two stations of our high-voltage transmission network is currently causing an outage in Outaouais affecting 56,000 customers, mainly in the Aylmer and Hull sectors,” Hydro-Québec says.
The outage map shows over 25,000 customers have no power in the western part of Hull, stretching north from Boulevard Alexandre-Taché to Autoroute 5.
About 30,000 customers in Aylmer are also affected, with nearly the entire sector experiencing outages.
Gatineau police are on scene directing traffic with traffic lights being down.
“When the lights are not working, we remind you that you must make a mandatory stop before entering the intersection,” police said.
Police are encouraging drivers to plan their trips and to expect delays.
Hydro-Québec says work is in progress on the power grid in Aylmer. An assessment of the work required is ongoing in Hull.
“Our teams are mobilized on site to determine the cause and restore service as quickly as possible,” the company says.
There is no word on when power might be restored.