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Update: All power restored in West Kootenay by Monday evening

PHOTOS: FortisBC crews are working to fix power outages
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High winds snapped this rural power pole like it was a twig. (FortisBC photo)

Update from FortisBC Monday night:

All customers in the Kootenays have now had their power restored from the weekend storm.

“There was significant damage in a number of areas and our crews worked tirelessly to get power restored,” said Diana Sorace.

“FortisBC is a critical infrastructure service provider. This means our employees and contractors are working during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep the energy flowing to our customers, safely and reliably, 24/7.”

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Strong winds and thunderstorms that blew through the region Saturday night knocked out pockets of electrical power in properties across the West Kootenay.

Spokesperson Diana Sorace from FortisBC said crews were at various sites on Sunday repairing damage, caused mainly by downed trees, to a substation and lines primarily in Kaslo, Salmo, Pass Creek and Ymir.

By Sunday night, she said electricity had been restored to Kaslo, Salmo and Pass Creek customers, though some were still without power in Ymir.

“There is also damage from the storm to power poles in various locations and our crews have been working through the night and today to make repairs and safely restore power where possible,” Sorace said.

“This is a good reminder to stay safe in the event you come into contact with a power pole.”

She also reminds customers about FortisBC’s tips about being prepared for power outages, which include protecting electronics with a surge-protecting power bar, and keeping phones charged when a storm is in the forecast.

“Delivering safe and reliable energy is an essential service and it is important we conduct repairs so we can safely deliver this critical service to our customers,” she said.

To report an outage, downed wire or poles, call: 1-866-436-7847.



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(FortisBC photo)
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Downed trees on a FortisBC substation. (Photo on FortisBC Twitter)


Sheri Regnier

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