The University of British Columbia (UBC) and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) have both warned students and faculty of a natural gas shortage.
The shortage, caused by the pipeline explosion earlier this week, was made known late last night. Fortis BC warned that close to 700,000 customers across the province could be affected.
UBC has issued an alert to students and faculty on their Point Grey Campus. Community members were asked to reduce their usage of heat, hot water, and cooking.
Urgent #UBC community alert – natural gas issue on Point Grey campus: https://t.co/oKTsW9c5Hx pic.twitter.com/LYTO2WmcUE
— UBC Media Relations (@ubcnews) October 11, 2018
Researchers who use natural gas for projects and academic work were asked to cut off all usage.
The school was also worried about a lack of heating and hot water on campus but they’re no longer expecting to be impacted.
Those at BCIT, however, should brace for what could be colder conditions on-campus.
Heads up! Due to Enbridge pipeline incident yesterday, there will be no heat on the north side of Burnaby campus until further notice. Please dress accordingly. For questions or concerns, pls contact BCIT Facilities hotline at 604-432-8777. pic.twitter.com/SX44R8nRnS
— BCIT (@bcit) October 11, 2018
The institution sent an email to students last night warning that “building heating will be very limited on the north side of BCIT Burnaby Campus.”
“We ask all students, staff, and faculty please anticipate chilly mornings and evenings and to dress warmly – including gloves, hats, and coats where necessary.”
The heating limitation for BCIT has already begun this morning and will continue until further notice. The school has confirmed that classes will run as scheduled, with staff monitoring building temperatures closely.