FortisBC Proposes New Wildfire Power Shutoff Policy: What It Means for BC Residents

FortisBC is facing community concerns in Southern Interior over its new safety measures. In response, the company is clarifying its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Policy, which aims to protect against wildfires.

On May 20, FortisBC submitted the PSPS Policy to the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) after the commission paused its rollout earlier this month. The policy is intended to proactively shut off power in specific areas before severe weather events. This decision is aimed at safeguarding communities and the electricity system from the risk of wildfires.

FortisBC emphasizes that it values public input and is committed to engaging in conversations with local communities. The company believes that the PSPS Policy is crucial for wildfire safety but plans to use it sparingly. “Our goal is always to keep the power on,” FortisBC stated. The decision to enact a PSPS will depend on careful monitoring of extreme fire risk factors, such as a Fire Weather Index over 47 and sustained winds above 75 kilometers per hour.

The policy would only be employed during exceptionally hot and dry summer days. Historical weather data shows that over a decade of monitoring, only one day—August 2021 near Princeton—met these criteria.

Before implementing the PSPS, FortisBC will also consider feedback from public safety partners, local governments, Indigenous communities, and critical infrastructure providers. They plan to prepare communities for potential outages by providing ample notice and ongoing updates.

Earlier this month, FortisBC postponed three open houses due to public concern, but they will reschedule these sessions to ensure community members are well-informed about the PSPS and wildfire safety. Currently, the policy remains on hold as the BCUC conducts its review.

According to a recent survey, about 70% of residents expressed concerns regarding power outages, highlighting the importance of clear communication from utility providers. This reflects a broader trend where communities are increasingly vocal about safety measures affecting their lives.

As climate change continues to intensify wildfire conditions, experts urge utility companies to adopt stringent safety measures, balancing community needs and environmental risks. Remember, effective communication and collaboration between companies and communities can foster trust and ensure public safety without compromising power access.

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