VANCOUVER: With what could be a more volatile storm season underway, BC Hydro is urging residents to prepare as a new survey1 reveals a generational divide in storm preparedness: younger adults are the least ready for power outages, while those aged 35 to 54 are the most proactive.
The findings come as BC Hydro braces for a La Niña season, which typically brings cooler, wetter weather and an increased likelihood of a very active season storm-wise. Compounding the concern is the lingering impact of multi-year drought conditions, which have weakened vegetation and increased the likelihood of falling trees and branches – one of the leading causes of power outages.
“In 2024, over 1.4 million BC Hydro customers faced weather-related outages, the highest on record,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson. “Even with the unprecedented surge, our crews responded faster than ever. But with La Niña expected to intensify storm activity this fall and winter – on top of the effects of multi-year drought – it’s more important than ever for British Columbians to be prepared.”
The survey shows that while 18–34-year-olds recognize that storms are becoming more frequent, they are also the least likely to take steps to prepare. More than half in this age group have not assembled an emergency kit, compared to the majority of 35–54-year-olds and nearly half of those over 55 who have.
Cost and uncertainty about how to start are the most common reasons younger adults cite for not preparing. About 15 per cent say they’ve built a kit in the past but didn’t use it, leading them to believe it was unnecessary. Yet their top concern during an outage – staying connected – highlights the importance of having backup power sources and communication plans.
Interestingly, despite their reliance on technology, younger British Columbians are the most likely (76 per cent) to have key phone numbers memorized, showing a blend of digital dependence and traditional preparedness. However, they are also the least likely to recognize the dangers of downed power lines – a knowledge gap that could have serious consequences during a storm.
This storm season, BC Hydro has stepped up its preparations to reduce outage risks and improve response times – especially in light of ongoing drought conditions. Key improvements include:
- Enhanced field response: Crews are now strategically pre-deployed and dispatched more efficiently during major events, based on lessons learned from past storms.
- Expanded vegetation management: With drought weakening trees, BC Hydro has tripled its budget to $150 million to clear vegetation around power lines year-round.
- Smarter outage tracking: Smart meters provide real-time data to pinpoint outages and speed up restoration.
- Improved weather forecasting: Advanced meteorological models help predict storm impacts and allocate resources more effectively.
- Better customer communication: Updates to BC Hydro’s mobile site and outreach efforts ensure customers get timely, detailed information before, during, and after outages.
No matter your age, BC Hydro encourages all customers to take simple steps to be prepared a power outage:
- Have an emergency kit: It does not have to be a fancy store bought kit, just make sure you have enough supplies to last for at least 72 hours and include a flashlight, extra batteries, first aid kit, non-perishable foods, and bottled water. Check out the Province’s prepare for emergencies on a budget.
- Know where to get the latest outage updates: Visit bchydro.com/outages from a mobile device for the most up-to-date information.
- Recognize the risks: A downed or damaged power line should always be considered an emergency even if it is not smoking, sparking, or making a buzzing sound. Always assume the line is live, stay back at least 10 metres (the length of a bus) and call 9-1-1 to report.
For more information on how to prepare and stay safe this storm season, visit bchydro.com/staysafe.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
e. media@bchydro.com
p. 604 928 6468
[ 1] Online survey conducted by 800 provincially representative British Columbians, Census representative by age, gender, and region from Sept. 19-23, 2025.