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BC Hydro puts full resources on safe, fast power restoration after Lower Mainland major windstorm

November 22, 2011

BC Hydro puts full resources on safe, fast power restoration after Lower Mainland major windstorm

Vancouver – Storm season arrived with a wallop last night with winds gusting over 100 kilometres an hour in the Lower Mainland. At its peak, about 83,000 customers were without power. Nearly 50 BC Hydro and contractor crews were deployed starting around midnight in efforts to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. BC Hydro also had vegetation management crews in place to safely and carefully remove fallen trees and debris from power lines.

Some of the hardest hit areas included:
• Surrey – 28,000 customers
• Port Coquitlam: 15,200 customers
• White Rock – 12,000 customers
• Burnaby – 8,300 customers
• Langley – 7,600 customers
• Maple Ridge – 6,700 customers
• Vancouver – 5,700 customers

The latest details and restoration estimates are available at www.bchydro.com/outages.

Once fully in place across the province, BC Hydro smart meters will report power outages instantly, allowing BC Hydro to restore power faster.

Whenever there are wind storms, there is the potential for power outages. During outages, BC Hydro is committed to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible and to keep customers informed during the process.

Be prepared to deal with outages:

• To report an outage, call 1-888-POWERON or *HYDRO on your mobile phone;
• Have an emergency kit on hand with flashlights; a battery-operated radio; extra batteries; corded-telephone; warm clothing and blankets; a first aid kit; non-perishable, ready-to-eat foods; games, cards and books to keep everyone busy; and a copy of your emergency preparedness plan (be sure everyone knows what to expect and what to do in an emergency) 
• Check BC Hydro’s mobile friendly website to find out about power outages and estimated restoration time.

During an outage, you can help with power restoration:

• Turn off all appliances and electronics, especially electric heaters during an outage. When power is restored, power will rush to all items left in the “on” position which can cause the system to overload and possibly cause a second outage.
• Turn off all lights except one inside the home and one outside. The inside light lets you know when the power is back on and the outside light lets BC Hydro crews know.

Public and employee safety is the top priority for BC Hydro. Crews work as safely and quickly as possible under difficult conditions to restore power. Be safe!

• Never go near or touch a fallen power line. If you see a fallen power line, report the exact location to 1-888-POWERON or *HYDRO on your mobile phone.

For more information, visit www.bchydro.com/outages 
 
For more information please contact:

Media Relations
p. 604.928-6468
Web: www.bchydro.com/media