US Edition'People will die,' Okanagan-Similkameen officials' fiery response to FortisBC
- Okanagan-Similkameen elected officials strongly opposed FortisBC's late-April 2025 proposal to cut power on rural feeder lines during extreme heat and wind to prevent wildfires.
- The backlash stemmed from concerns about inadequate consultation and fears that FortisBC’s decision prioritizes avoiding liability fines over community safety.
- Officials noted that a shutdown up to 72 hours would disrupt water systems, wildfire efforts, local businesses, and could force evacuations amid 40+ degree heat threatening lives without power.
- Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne expressed concern that shutting off power during extreme heat could force the evacuation of large numbers of residents, potentially risking lives without air conditioning. Meanwhile, FortisBC announced plans to hold informational sessions for the public in mid-May.
- The regional board, together with the Town of Princeton, submitted an official grievance to the Utilities Commission alleging breaches of service requirements and requested a hearing to increase local involvement in decisions regarding shutdown protocols.
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Power shutoff initiative creating ‘wave of fear,’ says Princeton, B.C. mayor
Concerns are growing over a plan to shut off power in nearly a dozen communities across the Similkameen and Kootenay-Boundary regions of British Columbia to reduce wildfire risk. FortisBC is launching a new initiative it calls the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). The power giant says it will initiate the PSPS during extreme weather such as extreme heat and powerful wind events to reduce the chance of trees and branches making contact with liv…
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