Wildfire damage could leave some B.C. customers without power for two weeks

BC Hydro says it could take up to two weeks to restore power in some wildfire-damaged parts of B.C.’s Southern Interior, where crews are replacing hundreds of poles and transmission lines.

About 1,100 customers in the Big Bar wildfire complex area remain without electricity. The utility has identified damage to about 230 distribution poles and 200 transmission poles, including in Clinton, 70 Mile House, Cache Creek, Big Bar Lake and along Highway 97 between 70 Mile House and Loon Lake.

Active wildfire conditions are restricting access and could cause further damage, BC Hydro said. Subject to safe access and stable fire conditions, Clinton could be re-energized in about two weeks; parts of its infrastructure require a full rebuild.

About 100 customers near Boston Bar, Hell’s Gate and China Bar are also without power because of the Brunswick complex fire. BC Hydro expects restoration work there to begin July 30. Customers displaced from home for five days or longer may qualify for an automatic electricity bill credit.