Unusual weather conditions led to BC Hydro implementing an unusual solution yesterday (Dec 19) to ensure reliable service to several hundred customers near Barriere in the Little Fort, Lemieux Creek, and Dalwood areas.
BC Hydro used a helicopter to blast snow and ice off trees near a power line that crosses through an area of dense forest along Highway 5 north of Barriere.
In the last several days a number of unplanned outages to area customers were caused by heavy snow-laden branches and trees coming down on the line.
The line was de-energized for an hour and a half from 3 - 4:30 p.m. to ensure safety during the helicopter work and line crews stood by to quickly restore service once the work was complete.
BC Hydro reminds customers that the winter storm season is here. Visit bchydro.com to learn how you and your family can prepare for outages.
To report an outage, call 1-888-POWERON or *HYDRO on your mobile phone. Automatic notification will be available through smart meters once all meters have been installed and the system is fully operational over the next year.
Help BC Hydro restore service faster. If there is an outage, turn off all appliances and electronics, especially electric heaters.
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.
Also, when the power is out, 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. In future, smart meters will automatically let BC Hydro know when the power has been restored.
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