BC Hydro crews working to restore power as snowstorm continues
5 p.m. update
BC Hydro has restored power to 95 per cent of customers after heavy snowfall
VANCOUVER: BC Hydro crews have restored power to almost all customers after a snowstorm impacted about 93,000 customers in the past 24 hours.
While power has been restored for 95 per cent of customers, there are still small pockets (totaling about 1,500) in mostly rural areas on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands without power. All available crews are working hard to complete the necessary work with the goal of restoring everyone this evening.
The snow weighed down trees and branches, many already weakened by a series of fall windstorms, causing them to contact BC Hydro’s electrical equipment. Unlike a windstorm, snowstorms can often mean large but slower-paced outages as snow takes time to accumulate on vegetation. That is why outage numbers spiked after the storm seemed to have passed in some areas.
BC Hydro wants to thank customers for their patience. As repair work continues, BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
11:30 a.m. update
BC Hydro crews making good progress restoring power despite challenges of heavy snowfall
VANCOUVER: BC Hydro has restored power to 88 per cent of customers following heavy snowfall that left over 93,000 customers without power.
As of 11:30 a.m., about 10,000 remain without power, mostly on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The hardest hit areas include Courtenay, Nanaimo, and Mayne Island.
Crews are working around-the-clock to repair power lines, power poles and other damaged electrical equipment, but are experiencing some challenges in rural areas because the snow has restricted road access. Ferry cancellations have also caused delays in power restoration to some of the smaller Gulf Islands.
Unlike a traditional windstorm where power outages often occur rapidly, snowstorms can present unique challenges because of the time it takes for snow to weigh down trees and branches, causing them to fall onto electrical equipment at a slower, more sporadic pace. Because of this, there were hundreds of smaller repair jobs, and outage numbers spiked today even though the storm has calmed.
BC Hydro’s goal is to have all customers restored by this evening; however, it may take longer to get to some of the customers in more remote areas where crews have experienced access challenges. BC Hydro is also receiving reports of downed lines and is reminding customers to stay back 10 metres and dial 911 should they encounter a downed line.
BC Hydro thanks its customers for their patience as crews work to make difficult repairs and restore power. For updated power restoration estimates as they become available visit bchydro.com/outages.
6:30 a.m. update
BC Hydro crews continue to repair damage and restore
VANCOUVER: Heavy snowfall caused power outages impacting more than 50,000 customers. Crews worked throughout the night and have restored power to 30,000 customers. power after heavy snowfall
As of 6:30 a.m., 15,800 are out on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and 4,700 are out in the Lower Mainland.
Crews have experienced some delays in reaching trouble areas due to the poor road conditions and ferry cancellations. However, all available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews will continue to work around-the-clock until all power has been restored.
Snow adds weight to trees and branches and can result in them breaking and coming into contact with electrical equipment. Crews are busy replacing power lines, power poles and other electrical equipment.
BC Hydro understands that outages are disruptive and appreciates customers’ patience as crews work to access trouble spots as quickly as possible.
BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.
Original update
Nov. 29 at 10 p.m.
VANCOUVER: There are currently 33,000 customers without power on the South Coast as heavy snow continues to fall. With more snow in the forecast overnight, BC Hydro expects there will be additional outages.
As of 10 p.m., there are 27,900 customers out on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, and 5,100 customers out in the Lower Mainland. The hardest hit areas include:
- Nanaimo: 7,700 customers without power
- Ladysmith: 4,900 customers without power
- Courtney: 3,900 customers without power
BC Hydro has been tracking this storm closely, and all available BC Hydro crews and contractor crews are working around-the-clock to repair the damage. Snow adds weight to trees and branches and can result in them breaking and coming into contact with electrical equipment. Crews are busy replacing power lines, power poles and other electrical equipment.
As heavy snowfall is expected to continue in the region, crews are experiencing delays in reaching trouble areas due to the poor road conditions and ferry cancellations. As a result, some customers will be without power overnight. BC Hydro understands that outages are disruptive and appreciates customers’ patience as crews work to access trouble spots as quickly as possible.
Crews are also receiving reports of downed power lines. A downed power line is an emergency. Call 911 and stay at least 10 metres back. BC Hydro crews will work with first responders to make the area safe.
BC Hydro will provide updated estimates for power restoration as they become available at bchydro.com/outages.