As we adapt to changing environmental conditions, too many British Columbians have lived through the devastating impacts of wildfires.
We香蕉视频直播檝e seen entire neighbourhoods forced to evacuate, and homes and livelihoods lost.
FortisBC works throughout the year to help reduce the potential risk and impact of wildfires. These measures include strengthening our system against wildfires, providing training for staff on wildfire response, clearing trees and plants that could come in contact with power lines and system protection setting changes during wildfire season. And following a wildfire we repair damage and restore service as quickly and safely as possible.
We know electricity infrastructure can be a source of wildfire ignitions, such as when debris is blown into a power line during a windstorm. When a single spark can cause catastrophic consequences, shutting down portions of our electricity system through our proposed Public Safety Power Shutoff policy would serve as a preventive measure aimed at helping to reduce potential wildfire risk.
While this would be a new tool for FortisBC, such policies are becoming increasingly common for electricity providers across North America, including in Washington State and Alberta.
With safety as our top priority, we believe in being prepared.
Developing a Public Safety Power Shutoff policy means we will have clearly established protocols and well-defined plans before we need to consider proactively shutting off power to part of our system. It香蕉视频直播檚 another tool we can use, allowing us to continue to act quickly, working with communities and public safety partners should a situation arise.
Our goal is always to keep the power on, and we anticipate the use of this policy to be rare.
We know how important critical energy services like electricity are and the decision to temporarily shut off power is a last resort. It is not a decision we would make lightly.
The conditions that could trigger such an event are beyond a typical hot, dry summer day within those areas at greatest risk of wildfire within FortisBC香蕉视频直播檚 service area. In fact, a review of historical weather data in these areas at greatest risk of wildfire over a 10-year period found only one occurrence of weather conditions that would have met the criteria.
We will also work to limit the scope, duration and frequency of these events. Our decision will be guided by expert industry data, real-time updates from our crews in the field and extreme fire risk conditions, including a Fire Weather Index greater than 47 and sustained wind speeds of more than 75 kilometres per hour.
Even then, other factors and input would be considered.
The exact length of an event would depend on the severity and duration of the extreme weather event, the time needed for crews to inspect power lines for damage or hazards and the extent of the repair required.
We are committed to keeping communities and our customers informed, and we will share information about Public Safety Power Shutoff events ahead of time whenever possible.
Although our electricity system is reliable, power outages are more likely to occur due to incidents like severe weather, motor vehicle accidents or necessary maintenance. For this reason, we encourage customers be ready for unexpected outages.
We will continue connecting with our customers, offering information on fortisbc.com/wildfiresafety and collaborating closely with local officials.
Nobody wants to be without power.
With the right tools, we hope to help avoid the kind of wildfire devastation we香蕉视频直播檝e seen across B.C. and elsewhere.
Michelle Carman is a utility professional with more than 20 years experience in the energy industry. She serves as vice president, customer service and external communications, at FortisBC.
