BC Hydro says it may have power restored to west coast communities a few days sooner than expected.
Crews are working to repair infrastructure that was damaged in the Mount Underwood fire and restore power to about 500 customers in Bamfield, the Huu-ay-aht First Nation and balaac̓adt.
The communities have been without power since August 11 and BC Hydro says the timeline of August 30 for restored power could be moved forward a few days.
“While the situation remains complex and subject to change, crews are optimistic and continue to explore every opportunity to accelerate work. Progress is being evaluated daily to ensure the fastest possible restoration without compromising safety,” reads a news release from BC Hydro.
Crews have installed sixty new power poles and strung sixty-two spans of line since gaining access to the impacted area on Aug. 16.
The update says work is now underway in the most challenging section of the corridor and a 1.5 km stretch of power line remains inaccessible due to slope instability.
“To maintain momentum, BC Hydro is implementing a temporary solution that will be replaced with a permanent installation once safety conditions in the area allow,” the press release says.
BACKGROUND: Evacuation orders downgraded, Mount Underwood fire being held
