While power returned to about 3,000 residents in the Alberta municipality of Crowsnest Pass Tuesday, as many as 100 residents are still in the dark, four days after a freak snowstorm crippled the area's electricity grid.

A state of local emergency continues to be in effect in Crowsnest Pass, located in the province's southwest corner, after more than 45 centimetres of snow blanketed the region over the weekend.

"Four generators are providing an interim solution until permanent repairs can be made to the electric system," FortisAlberta, the power company that supplies electricity to the area, said Tuesday in a statement.

"FortisAlberta crews are working to repair downed distribution power poles and wires in the Crowsnest Pass area."

In the meantime, FortisAlberta and Crowsnest Pass officials are asking residents to limit the usage of electrical appliances such as dishwashers, stoves, dishwashers, until the system is fully restored.

"Normal peak demand is 9.2 megawatts and currently only four megawatts is available in the community," an advisory on the municipality's website warned residents Tuesday.

Some of the residents are relying on candles and lanterns for light while others are taking refuge in an emergency shelter set up at the Crowsnest Centre.

Crews -- some from other parts of the province -- are working around the clock trying to repair at least 50 power poles knocked down during the weekend storm.