UPDATE:
BC Hydro is continuing to fix a transmission tower affected by water erosion near the Telkwa River.
Due to recent heavy rainfall and flooding, the structure was found submerged on this morning, which has potential to cause power outages across the Bulkley Valley.
Spokesperson Bob Gammer says crews are working to re-enforce the tower.
“The situation can still change and the structure is still at risk for the damage, so we are encouraging customers to continue to be prepared for a possible power outage.”
He adds current water levels are holding steady.
“Water levels are dropping on the river and that’s good news. As a result, we’re now seeing the risk of an outage is also dropping.”
If the tower does fail however, potentially 10,000 customers could be left in the dark.
BC Hydro is advising residents to be prepared as much as possible.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
BC Hydro is reporting structural erosion at one of its transmission towers in the Bulkley Valley.
Due to recent heavy rainfall, flooding from the Bulkley and Telkwa rivers are responsible for the damage, which could lead to possible outages.
Spokesperson Bob Gammer says if the tower fails, nearly 10,000 customers could be left in the dark, ranging from Telkwa to the Hazeltons.
“We’re building a road to get to that structure, then we’re bringing in a crane to support the structure, and then we will work to re-enforce the area. We are fairly confident that we can prevent an outage from happening.”
BREAKING: @bchydro warning residents of possible outages as rising Telkwa, Bulkley river levels are damaging a transmission structure pic.twitter.com/zwdXf8JCcB
— The Moose Smithers (@MooseFMonair) October 27, 2017
In the meantime, Gammer suggests residents to double-check, or put together, their power outage plan.
“We would encourage you to review your outage plan and make sure you have your outage kit, including the resources that you would need to make it through the first 72 hours. Make sure you have got enough fuel in your vehicles, make sure you’ve got water, but again, that’s worst case scenario.”
He says the rivers have been holding steady, but BC Hydro will continue to bring updates as they become available well into the weekend.