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'People will die,' Okanagan-Similkameen officials' fiery response to FortisBC
- FortisBC proposed an up-to-72-hour proactive power shutdown plan at the end of April to reduce wildfire risk in rural Okanagan-Similkameen areas.
- The plan arose from wildfire concern and vegetation management efforts but faced criticism for insufficient community consultation before announcement.
- Local officials, including Princeton Mayor Spencer Coyne, warned the shutdown risks evacuations, endangers water systems, and threatens livelihoods like small businesses reliant on power.
- Coyne warned that during extreme heat exceeding 40 degrees, the lack of air conditioning caused by power outages could lead to fatalities, underscoring severe public health risks.
- In response, regional boards and Princeton formally complained to the Utilities Commission, alleging violations of service obligations and requesting hearings on the shutdown's impacts.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Power shutoff initiative creating wave of fear, says Princeton, B.C. mayor - Okanagan #Canada #CanadaLife #CanadaNews
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…
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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