BC Hydro warns of potential outages after summer heat, drought

BC Hydro customers are being warned to prepare for potentially more outages this storm season, with the utility provider pointing to the summer drought and high heat as contributing factors.

The Crown corporation says “one of the driest summers on record this year” have led to weakened trees, among other impacts, while wildfires and a lack of rain have also contributed to damaged soil, roots, and vegetation in many areas.

“Trees weakened by drought and associated disease can be more susceptible to wind, and many of these trees still have leaves late in the season making them increasingly susceptible to wind and adding weight from rain or snow,” said Susie Rieder, BC Hydro spokesperson.

“As storm season ramps up, a substantial number of dead and damaged trees and branches are expected to fall, contributing to power outages.”

A storm like of that kind hit the province earlier this week, when a wind and rain storm knocked out power for over 30,000 BC Hydro customers on Tuesday night and leading into Wednesday morning.

BC Hydro explains crews have had to replace more than 1,400 power poles and close to 90 kilometres of power line since May, largely in part due to destructive wildfires.

It notes BC Hydro’s meteorologists are warning of “elevated risk of significant power disruption in the event of a windstorm this fall,” adding crews are “ramping up” for storms to come.

“Trees and adverse weather are the single biggest cause for power outages in B.C. – more than half of all power outages are caused by trees and bad weather,” BC Hydro says.

Given what has happened in previous years, BC Hydro says it has emphasized its vegetation management program, which includes regular maintenance of things like inspecting trees and other plants near infrastructure.

But it’s not just the weather’s effect on vegetation that affects the power grid. BC Hydro points out that its predominantly hydroelectric generation system is directly affected by weather variations, noting some of its facilities in the north and southeast continue to operate with lower-than-normal water levels for this time of the year.

British Columbians are being urged to prepare for potential outages by keeping an emergency kit handy. This kit, BC Hydro says, should last you at least 72 hours and include things like a flashlight, batteries, non-perishable foods, water, medications, and more.

“Extended outages are rare but they do happen,” said Rieder.

“Also something that’s really important to have is an external charger for your phone,” she added. “We’re so phone-dependent now and that’s how you’re going to look for your updates on your outage.”

You’re also reminded to stay at least 10 metres away from any downed or damaged power lines and to report them to 911. Rieder says multiple reports of downed power lines came forward during this week’s wind storm, adding these dangerous lines can be “about the length of a bus.”