BC Hydro crews were busy today (Monday) fixing several power outages in the Bulkley Valley and Lakes District.
As of 4:50 p.m., 10 outages have been restored in the Smithers area, four around Burns Lake, and three near Houston.
“Those numbers are soft right now particularly when things are such a storm situation,” said Spokesperson Dave Mosure.
Combined, about 700 customers have seen power restored.
Five outages from Houston to Witset remain ongoing with crews assigned to each of them.
“We’re seeing a wide range of causes and those can range from wires down, to trees and branches on the lines, or even what we call phase slap,” said Mosure.
Phase slap occurs when two of the power wires contact each other and trips a protection circuit to turn off power.
Environment Canada issued a wind warning for the Lakes District today which also poses a risk for power outages.
“If you’re out on the roads and you come across a downed power line, always assume it’s live, stay back 10 feet, and call 911,” Mosure said.
He adds it’s good to have an emergency bag ready to go with enough supplies to last 72 hours without power.
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