About 100-thousand people across Northern BC were affected by a massive power outage tonight (Wednesday).
Crews will be heading to multiple outages in the #PrinceGeorge area affecting 20,000 customers. They’ll continue to post updates here: https://t.co/GCUdUyF4o3 pic.twitter.com/WPUWWyKskZ
— BC Hydro (@bchydro) September 12, 2019
Affected communities ran north and west of Prince George including Vanderhoof, Smithers, Fort St John, Dawson Creek, Chetwynd, Hudsons Hope, Houston, and Burns Lake.
BC Hydro spokesperson Bob Gammer explained to Vista Radio what may have caused the outage.
“At about ten to nine things went black for most of Northern BC and this is roughly from 100 Mile and northward, the cause of the outage is not for certain but lightning is suspected,” said Gammer.
“Where that lightning struck is not clear but it knocked out most of Northern British Columbia. Prince George came back on after 20 minutes of outage time and what we are doing is gradually restoring communities throughout the network.”
Crews continue to investigate the incident.
Prince George Fire Rescue Services confirm that there are no local fires connected to tonight’s power outage
— Prince George, BC (@CityofPG) September 12, 2019