BC Hydro restores power to 400,000 customers following storm

Dec 21 2018, 10:34 pm

Following the aftermath of the powerful windstorm that wreaked havoc on Metro Vancouver Thursday afternoon, BC Hydro crews have made significant progress restoring power throughout the lower mainland.

As of 6 am on Friday, crews managed to restore power to 400,000 customers since the windstorm began Thursday morning, according to BC Hydro.

About 160,000 customers in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands still currently remain without power.

Additional crews are being brought in from other parts of the province to assist with restoration efforts as severe damage remains. Crews are scheduled to be on the first ferries this morning to Vancouver Island, which was hit the hardest during the storm.

Helicopter patrols will also be completed to survey damage to transmission infrastructure from the air.

BC Hydro says it will continue to prioritize repairs that pose a safety risk, such as downed power lines, and on making repairs to high-voltage transmission lines and substations as this will bring the most customers back on as quickly as possible.

BC Hydro is also reminding the public that there are still reports of dozens of downed power lines and the public should assume a downed line is live and stay back at least 10 metres, and call 9-1-1 immediately.

See also
Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

+ News
+ Weather
ADVERTISEMENT