Skip to content

News

This news release was posted more than two years ago. View our latest news releases here.

BC Hydro to assess critical electrical damage in Sumas Prairie

BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week. Show caption
BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week. Show caption
BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week. Show caption
BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week.
BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week.
BC Hydro is identifying electrical equipment damaged by flooding and removing equipment that poses a significant safety risk. Pictured are electrical meters that were removed from properties this week.

ABBOTSFORD: BC Hydro crews will continue critical safety inspections in the Sumas Prairie this weekend to identify damage to the electrical system caused by flooding.

Some properties were largely submerged and flood waters caused extensive damage to home electrical systems that could pose significant safety risks. If BC Hydro crews discover an immediate safety risk – such as a fire hazard – they may need to disconnect power to a home until it is deemed safe by an electrician.

Ensuring the safety of the public and the electrical system is BC Hydro's top priority. Additional crews have been added to work through the weekend to inspect equipment and reconnect power after critical safety issues have been resolved.

BC Hydro has worked with Technical Safety BC to implement an expedited process, so an electrician does not have to go through a formal permitting process before notifying BC Hydro of work that has been completed.

If power is disconnected due to damage, homeowners must have the damage fixed by an electrician who must then notify BC Hydro that the home is safe to reconnect.

BC Hydro is working to complete all inspections over the next few days and providing customers with as much notice and information as possible, including connecting homeowners with electricians to help speed up the restoration process.

BC Hydro recognizes being without power introduces an additional challenge to people who are trying to clean-up and rebuild. The flooding has been devastating, and BC Hydro's deepest sympathies are with the community.

Customers whose power has been disconnected due to a safety issue can visit technicalsafetybc.ca or call 1 866 566 7233 to find a qualified contractor in the area. If a customer feels their electrical equipment may be damaged, they should contact a certified electrician or call BC Hydro at 1 800 BCHYDRO.