New mobile BC Hydro website to help customers during outages
Fingertip access now available for all information at bchydro.com
VANCOUVER – On the first official day of winter, BC Hydro is pleased to introduce a new mobile-friendly version of www.bchydro.com that makes it easier for customers to access information on their smart phones, particularly during power outages.
The easy-to-use and visually-appealing mobile site will work with most smart phone devices and provides quick access to outage details and all other information at www.bchydro.com. BC Hydro is proud to be the first utility in Canada to introduce a mobile friendly website as it continues to enhance customer communication channels for storm season and throughout the year.
"We are always looking for new ways to communicate with our customers and the new mobile site will help us provide accurate information quickly, particularly when our customers need it the most," said Eric Valois, General Manager, Distribution Services, BC Hydro. "With predictions for a long, stormy winter season due to the La Nina weather pattern, we are pleased to be able to offer our customers this improved form of mobile communication for timely, relevant updates on outages across B.C."
BC Hydro is also encouraging customers to prepare adequately for an outage with an emergency kit containing flashlights, a battery-operated radio, corded-telephone and warm clothing and blankets.
"Power outages are, unfortunately, a reality in B.C. where trees are in close proximity to our distribution and transmission lines," added Valois. "BC Hydro crews do their best to restore power safely and quickly, however all British Columbians should do their best to prepare for an outage, particularly during the winter months."
BC Hydro is also encouraging customers in the colder regions of the province to remember to turn off all appliances and electronics – especially portable electric heaters – when they do experience an outage. When power is restored, electricity can rush to all items left in the "on" position and cause the system to overload and potentially cause additional damage to the system and a second outage.
If customers experience a power outage this winter, they are asked to call 1 888 POWERON to report the outage.
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Contact:
Jennifer Young
Media Relations, BC Hydro
Phone: 604 623 4376
Cell: 604 240 0553