A fire in a SaskPower transmission structure this week had widespread effects on residents all across the southeast corner of Saskatchewan, as power was lost at around 11:00 PM on Wednesday. Despite prompt attention, electricity wasn't restored until more than 24 hours had gone by for some areas. 

However, it appears that the inconvenience was just that, and nothing more, for most people in the region.

"Redvers did well. Our town Foreman was really good about keeping heat in the well, house, and the water treatment plant so nothing froze up. Lots of people were posting about pulling out BBQ's and dealing with that as far as food went. We kind of rallied together and survived,"shared Bonnie Rutten, the Chief Administrative Officer.

"The weather really helped us out a lot. If it would have been any colder it would have been more serious."

It was somewhat of a non event for Alida, with most of the residents just utilizing their standard back up generators.

"When the power went off, within about 20 seconds it kicked in and I had power but no water," said Mayor James Boettcher.

"One lady told me she was able to cook up some noodles, so she was okay that way. I talked with the restraunt, and the lady there said it was quiet. She came in at 7:00 AM, made up some hamburgers and that with a flashlight. At 10:00 when the power had come on, she had people in there. She made up some coffee and that."

It was noticed a bit more in Oxbow, as their Community Development Officer, Tammi Scott, explained that most residents had their power back that morning, but some neighborhoods didn't see light till 6 or later that day.

"We had businesses that were impacted. We had one that closed for most of the day, and a few more that closed early, simply because their cash registers wouldn't stay running and they weren't able to provide service to their customers. Our Memorial Hall, the power was out there for most of the day, so we had some meetings and recreational activities cancelled."

She added that school was able to stay in session as well, though attendance was optional.

"All of our power was out for an extended period of time, but we weren't terribly affected with our water supply. We had plenty in our resivoir," shared Natalie Miller, the Administrator for the Town of Carlyle.

"Our wellhouse was without power for a period of time, but it came on by noon, so we were able to generate more water there. Many of our businesses were closed, and that definitely affected the Town, but as far as water and sewer, we were okay."

In Carnduff, the power outage was certainly noted, but the residents sailed through.

"We dealt with it, we think, very well. It's just a good thing it wasn't 40 below. Our water supply to the Town has generator power, and our sewer lift stations are generator equipped, so that way utility-wise, we're pretty good," stated Mayor Ross Apperly, adding that the nursing home is backed up by a similar system, providing a warm place to head to.

School also went on as normal, and although it wasn't needed this time, they would have way to provide quick power to the place, through external assistance from a commercial source such as a drilling rig.