City of Lethbridge electric utility crew assisted in power restoration efforts in Medicine Hat following the July 18, 2022, storm. (Photo: City of Lethbridge)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge crews help to restore power in Medicine Hat following storm

Jul 21, 2022 | 9:57 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – While the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Medicine Hat Tigers might be bitter rivals on the ice, the municipalities have proven once again that they will help each other out in times of need.

Medicine Hat and several surrounding communities were hit by an intense storm on Monday, July 18, 2022, causing extensive damages and knocking out power for more than 7,500 customers.

One of the newer transmission lines in Medicine Hat, which feeds substations and supplies electricity to thousands, was heavily damaged.

The City of Lethbridge Electric Utility department received a call for assistance from the City of Medicine Hat at approximately 2:00 pm on Monday, asking if they would be able to send a crew to support power restoration efforts.

Electric Operations Distribution Manager for the City of Lethbridge Gary Smith says they sent five personnel, four vehicles, and extra equipment to the Gas City.

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“This was a pretty devastating event in terms of electric infrastructure,” says Smith. “They worked well into the evening Tuesday night and got great praise about how much they accomplished and got restored. Our crew restored and rebuilt blocks of power lines to get them back up and running.”

Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen says he is grateful to see the partnership between the two cities and hopes to see more collaboration on a variety of matters.

“On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I’m very pleased and thankful that some of our electrical staff have been able to significantly help our friends in Medicine Hat in recovering from Monday’s awful storm,” says Hyggen.

The storm, which included a tornado, strong winds, and large hail, resulted in numerous properties in the nearby Cypress County being completely destroyed. LNN’s sister station CHAT News Today has also heard from multiple farmers who lost large amounts of crops, livestock, and equipment.

Officials with Cypress County are working to assist those affected by the storm.

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