BC Hydro crews continue working around the clock to restore power following a series of damaging storms that have affected approximately 415,000 customers across the province since Friday. While significant progress has been made, approximately 2,300 customers remain without power in the Northern and Central Interior, where some of the most extensive storm damage occurred.
Many of the remaining outages require extensive and complicated repairs, including replacing poles and crossarms, rebuilding sections of the electrical system and restringing downed wire. More than 200 spans of wire were damaged in the region alone and have required replacement. Access also remains challenging in some areas because of fallen trees, debris and soft ground conditions.
More than 180 workers are supporting restoration efforts across the region, including crews and contractors brought in from other parts of the province. Additional specialized equipment and resources have also been brought into the region to support the restoration effort.
Based on current conditions, power is expected to be restored to most customers in Salmon Valley and much of Vanderhoof by the end of Tuesday, while most customers in Chief Lake, Ness Lake, Eskers and Summit Lake are expected to be restored by the end of Wednesday.
These restoration times could change based on the incoming weather. Winds are expected to pick up this evening and continue into Wednesday, with strong gusts that could bring additional trees and branches down onto power lines, cause further damage and result in new outages. Crews will continue working as long as conditions are safe, but if conditions become unsafe because of high winds or falling trees and branches, crews may need to temporarily stop work in some areas until it is safe to resume.
"We know how difficult it is to be without power for this long, particularly for customers who have already been out for several days. We are incredibly grateful for the patience, understanding and support these communities have shown our crews," said Bob Gammer, BC Hydro Community Relations Manager. "Please know we are on the way. We have more than 180 workers supporting restoration efforts across the region, including people brought in from other parts of the province, and we are doing everything we can to get every customer restored as safely and quickly as possible."
Please stay away from downed power lines
BC Hydro is asking everyone to put safety first as crews continue working through the extensive damage.
There have been reports of people attempting to move downed power lines and of vehicles driving over lines on the ground. Please stay away and do not attempt to move or drive over a downed power line.
Always assume a downed power line is live and dangerous. Stay at least 10 metres back, approximately the length of a city bus, and call 911 to report it. Do not touch or attempt to move a line, drive over a downed line or drive underneath low-hanging wires.
Preparing for more weather and staying informed
With strong winds expected to pick up this evening and continue into Wednesday, customers should be prepared for the possibility of additional outages by keeping their 72-hour emergency kits stocked and mobile devices charged.
Customers can get the latest information on outages and estimated restoration times through the new BC Hydro mobile app or at bchydro.com/outages.
Crews will continue working through the remaining outages while preparing to respond to any new damage from the incoming weather. We appreciate the continued patience and support of customers and communities across the region and will provide further updates as restoration progresses and weather conditions change.
Contact:
BC Hydro Media Relations
Email: media@bchydro.com
Phone: 604 928 6468