The BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) has ordered Fortis BC to suspend the implementation of its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy.
The BCUC received a complaint from the Town of Princeton on May 7 over the policy’s potential for longer and more frequent outages during extreme weather and wildfire events.
Fortis BC had planned on introducing the policy this summer, which is described as a precautionary measure that could see electricity shut off proactively in selected areas in advance of extreme weather to reduce potential ignition sources.
The utility had listed the communities of Greenwood, Princeton, Hedley, Keremeos, and Rock Creek as the most likely to experience a PSPS event, prompting significant public outcry from residents and local governments on social media.
In its complaint, the Town of Princeton said the PSPS policy could negatively impact the local economy, hinder residents’ access to basic needs, and potentially force the evacuation of high-risk individuals reliant on power for medical equipment.
Following a review, the BCUC found the complaint to be warranted and ordered Fortis to suspend its implementation, pending further review. It also directed Fortis to file the policy no later than May 20.
Fortis issued a statement on May 12 noting that it had received the BCUC’s direction and would be taking the necessary time to review next steps.
“Our commitment goes beyond providing energy-it’s personal. With hundreds of employees across B.C., including right here in the Southern Interior, we are not just providing these communities with energy-we are part of them. We live, work, and raise our families here, and we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our neighbours.”
The utility adds that it remains committed to open dialogue with customers, stakeholders and the public to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes wildfire prevention and minimizes disruptions.
To further engage the public, Fortis BC will be holding a series of open houses in May to share information on its wildfire safety practices. The first open house is scheduled for tomorrow (May 14) at the Greenwood Community Hall, from 4 to 7 p.m.
A virtual open house is scheduled for May 22 at 5 p.m.
Customers are still urged to prepare for up to 72-hour long outages in the event power needs to be cut during periods of extreme wildfire risk.
You can find more information on the policy and open houses here.
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