BC Hydro restores power to 96 per cent of customers impacted by Tuesday’s windstorm
October 14 (6 a.m.)
BC Hydro crews made good progress yesterday and overnight, and have restored power to more than 192,000 customers since the windstorm began early Tuesday morning.
About 7,700 customers primarily in Chilliwack and Duncan remain without power. Crews will continue to work throughout the day to restore power to those customers still out.
BC Hydro appreciates its customers’ patience as repair work continues and will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
BC Hydro crews continuing to repair damage in the midst of fall windstorm
October 13, 2020 (5 p.m.)
A significant windstorm hitting the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Sunshine Coast has led to power outages for tens of thousands of BC Hydro customers. The hardest hit areas include Qualicum, Courtenay, Abbotsford and Chilliwack.
About 176,000 customers in total were impacted since midnight, and crews have worked hard to restore power to about 76,000 customers as the storm has worked its way from Vancouver Island across the South Coast today. As of 4:30 p.m., there are currently about 99,000 customers without power.
There is extensive damage caused by branches and trees breaking and coming into contact with BC Hydro's electrical infrastructure. All available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working around-the-clock to repair damaged power lines, poles and transformers to restore the power.
BC Hydro is receiving reports of downed power lines and wants to remind the public a downed power line is considered an emergency situation. Members of the public should stay at least 10 metres back and call 911 immediately.
BC Hydro appreciates its customers' patience as its crews work to repair the damage and restore power. Due to the extensive damage, some customers are expected to be without power overnight. For more information on restoration times and safety, visit bchydro.com/outages.
Media contact
BC Hydro Media Relations
p. 604 928 6468