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VANCOUVER – One of two 500 kilovolt submarine circuits connecting Vancouver Island to the Lower Mainland has been taken out of service due to equipment damage.

Vancouver Island continues to be supplied by the second 500 kilovolt circuit, on-island generation, and other cable connections between Vancouver Island and the mainland. B.C.'s transmission system is designed with these multiple backup systems to ensure there is continuous, uninterrupted supply.

The risk of an outage of any duration affecting Vancouver Island as a result of this equipment damage is extremely low. For comparison purposes, this damage presents less risk than the everyday risk of British Columbia's winter storm season.

The circuit remains out of service while British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC), BC Hydro, and outside experts work to determine the extent of damage to the circuit. The timeline for this repair is not yet known.

As a service to Vancouver Island residents, BCTC will continue to provide periodic information updates on the status of this work when required.

BCTC and BC Hydro always encourage British Columbians to be prepared for power outages.