Nearly 18,000 customers in B.C.’s East Kootenay region are experiencing power outages on Sunday due to wildfire smoke and storm damage. Among the areas affected are Radium Hot Springs, Fairmont Hot Springs, Athalmer, Golden, Invermere, Canal Flats, and Parsons—all of which have been without power since 8:30 p.m. Saturday. An update from B.C. Hydro explained transmission and distribution systems have been impacted, and several transmission structures are now beyond repair and in need of replacement. The provincial utility said its crews are ready to assess the damage and begin repairs but explained that access clearance has to be granted by the B.C. Wildfire Service first to “ensure repairs are done safely.” “If no additional damage is identified once crews gain further access to the area, and conditions remain favourable, including wildfire activity, weather and safe access for crews, power could be restored as early as tonight,” reads the update from B.C. Hydro. “This remains a dynamic situation, and restoration timelines may change as assessments and repair work continue.” B.C. Hydro said crews have been able to assess areas outside the fire zone and started rebuilding damaged infrastructure serving Golden and Invermere. The regulator said distribution system repairs should be “substantially complete” on Sunday but detailed that they can’t be energized until the transmission system is restored. Once both systems are restored, B.C. Hydro said, “additional localized outages may be identified as crews are able to fully assess and re-energize affected sections of the distribution network.” According to DriveBC, these outages have shut down all fuel and EV charging stations between Revelstoke and the Alberta border, as well as between Golden and Wasa. “B.C. Hydro understands prolonged outages are challenging for customers and communities and appreciates the public’s patience as crews work in difficult wildfire conditions to safely restore power,” the provincial power regulator added. Anyone who notices damaged power poles, wires, or other infrastructure has been asked to report it to B.C. Hydro.
