FortisBC is encouraging Kootenay residents to prepare for prolonged power outages as a result of extreme wildfire weather. 

The utility company says it will proactively shut off power in selected areas throughout BC’s Southern Interior in advance of extreme weather and wildfire conditions to reduce potential ignition sources. 

“We’ve all seen the devastation that wildfires can bring to communities in B.C., and we’re seeing more frequent and more extreme weather events,” said Gary Toft, FortisBC Senior Corporate Communications Advisor. 

“There are steps that we take to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the safety of our customers, and some of those can result in people experiencing longer power outages.” 

During wildfire season, FortisBC implements additional measures to reduce potential risks, including measures that could result in power outages. 

These measures include changing safety settings on FortisBC power lines to make them more sensitive, meaning situations that would normally go unnoticed could trigger an outage as a safety precaution. 

“So, if there’s a problem on the line, if there’s a tree or debris that comes into contact with the line, the power will shut off in a fraction of a second, and it won’t come on automatically like it does in the winter. Then, we’ll send someone out to patrol the line to make sure that it’s safe to turn back on,” explained Toft. 

An active wildfire situation could also result in an outage, with Toft adding that crews may need to turn off power when wildfires start getting too close to power equipment. 

“If they do get too close and there are firefighters in the area, we’ll talk to the firefighters and make a decision. We may need to turn off power at that point to keep the firefighters safe.” 

Enhancing wildfire safety 

FortisBC is also further enhancing its wildfire safety practices this year, introducing a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy, as the region continues to experience more extreme weather conditions year after year. 

The PSPS policy acts as a last-resort tool the utility will use only during extreme weather events to keep customers and communities safe while reducing the risk of wildfires. 

“When you have extreme weather—so we’re talking about very high winds, high heat, low humidity, and dry vegetation—we may have to shut off power in order to keep people who are living nearby safe,” explained Toft. 

“What we’re trying to do with this is prevent trees, branches, and debris from coming into contact with our electricity system when it’s energized.” 

Toft says similar policies are used throughout North America where extreme weather events have become more prominent. 

“With all of the changes in weather and extreme weather events we’re seeing in British Columbia, we felt it was time to introduce this in B.C.” 

Preparing for outages 

While customers should always be prepared to be without electricity for at least 72 hours, this is especially important during wildfire season. 

“We understand that our customers rely on electricity, and any power outages can be a significant concern. We will try to provide people with as much advance warning as possible so people can prepare,” said Toft. 

To help communities prepare for a PSPS event, FortisBC will work closely with local emergency officials and attempt to provide as much advance warning as possible of a PSPS event, as well as updates throughout a PSPS event to help keep people informed. 

Customers can sign up online to receive email notices and call to register as a vulnerable customer, should they depend on power for medical needs.  

However, Toft says it’s important to have a plan in place ahead of time, just in case. 

“Make sure you have a backup plan for lighting, staying cool, and powering devices you might need. Make sure that you have an emergency kit that you can find in the dark. Have a safe alternate method for preparing and storing food, and make sure that if you need power for medical equipment, you have a backup power system you can use.” 

Weather conditions can change quickly, and while FortisBC will always strive to provide as much notice as possible of a PSPS event, a PSPS event may occur with little to no notice. 

Open houses 

FortisBC is hosting three open houses in May for the public to learn more about its wildfire safety practices and preparation. 

The utility has listed Greenwood as one of seven communities most likely to experience a PSPS event. 

There will be an in-person open house at the Greenwood Community Hall on May 14 from 4-7 p.m. for the public to attend. 

Another open house will be held in Keremeos at Victory Hall on May 15 from 4-7 p.m., and a virtual open house is scheduled for May 22 at 5 p.m. 

You can find more information about the open houses here.