BC Hydro Plans Outages Impacting 53 Fort St. John Customers March 6-9
BC Hydro has announced a series of planned power outages impacting 53 customers in Fort St. John from March 6 to March 9. These interruptions are necessary for routine system maintenance, which includes pole replacements and upgrades to equipment. The utility aims to conduct this work during daytime hours to ensure safety for work crews.
Schedule of Planned Outages
The outages are scheduled as follows:
- March 6: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. – 1 customer affected near Hudson’s Hope Road M 7.
- March 8: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – 3 customers affected around West Bypass Road.
- March 9: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – 49 customers in several areas.
Areas Impacted on March 9
The largest outage on March 9 will affect customers in various locations, including:
- Aitken Cr Road
- Bartch Street
- Bartsch Road
- Beatton Road
- Evergreen Road
- Letkiman Avenue
- Parts of Buick Creek
Although restoration is expected by the end of the stated times, actual timing may vary based on conditions. If work is completed early, power may be restored ahead of schedule.
Importance of Scheduled Outages
BC Hydro schedules these planned outages to safely complete maintenance tasks that cannot be performed with live wires. Activities such as replacing poles and upgrading equipment reduce the risk of unexpected outages, especially in harsh weather conditions.
These interruptions are deemed more favorable compared to sudden outages caused by equipment failures. By addressing infrastructure needs proactively, BC Hydro works to enhance reliability for customers in the long term.
Preparing for the Outages
Residents in affected areas should consider the following preparations to minimize inconvenience:
- Charge phones and power banks.
- Unplug sensitive electronics.
- Make plans for medical devices or appliances that require power.
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to maintain temperature.
- If using a generator, ensure it is placed outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
Staying Informed
For the latest updates regarding the outages, BC Hydro recommends using their outage list and map. This will provide real-time information tailored to your specific area.
