HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (CP) – Maine utility crews are expected to remain in Nova Scotia until late this week helping to repair damage caused by Hurricane Juan, which inflicted about $75 million in losses.

The Central Maine Power Co. crews headed to Canada during the weekend to assist the Nova Scotia Power Co. in restoring power to customers who lost service after the storm made landfall.

About 300,000 customers initially lost power, about 15,000 remained without service when the CMP crews arrived and 5,000 customers were still without power on Tuesday, nine days after the storm swept across the center of the province.

The 27 CMP employees in Nova Scotia included 10 bucket truck crews, and line supervisors, mechanics and a safety specialist.

Nova Scotia Power crews were sent to Maine during the ice storms of 1998 that knocked power out to hundreds of thousands of Maine homes.

Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm said he expects damage from the hurricane to exceed the U.S. equivalent of $75 million. But he said Tuesday the estimate is only preliminary.

Many fishermen and farmers who did not insure some buildings and equipment face bankruptcy without rapid relief. Some residents have said they’re frustrated with the slow progress of restoring electrical service.

Hamm said the handling of the disaster, including Nova Scotia Power’s response, will be reviewed.

In Prince Edward Island, the provincial government said Tuesday it has set aside $150,000 to deal with the immediate needs of residents affected by Juan, which was a tropical storm by the time it hit the island.

Elmer MacFadyen, the minister responsible for emergency measures, said the money is a first response to help alleviate hardships caused by property damage. More money from the disaster financial assistance arrangements between Ottawa and the province will be available later, he added.

More than 140 people have already applied for help.

Dave Campbell, manager of the PEI Emergency Measures Organization, said Islanders have been looking for help with a wide range of damage, from ruined sheds to food losses due to spoilage.

AP-ES-10-07-03 1418EDT