Communities in the Southern Interior will now have the opportunity to learn more and ask questions about FortisBC's proposed Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy which would proactively shut off power in selected areas in advance of extreme weather.
FortisBC announced the PSPS at the end of April, but the safety measure designed to protect communities and electricity systems against wildfires was suspended on May 13 by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) after backlash and concern from residents. FortisBC subsequently postponed its May open houses, as it dealt with the backlash and filed the policy with the BCUC, and is now ready to share more information with the public.
Currently, the policy remains suspended pending a BCUC review.
There will be open houses in Greenwood at the McArthur Centre Community Hall on June 11, in Keremeos at Victory Hall on June 12 and in Princeton at the Seniors Centre on June 18. All open houses will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"FortisBC continues to encourage communities, local governments and customers to learn about its proposed Public Safety Power Shutoff policy in areas within its electricity service territory that are at greatest risk of wildfire," FortisBC stated. "FortisBC is also seeking information from residents and local governments about their needs related to critical infrastructure in communities that should be considered prior to initiation of a PSPS event."
