A BC Hydro outage affected more than 2,300 customers in B.C.’s eastern Fraser Valley on Friday morning, October 9, as crews responded to separate problems in the Cultus Lake and Abbotsford areas.
The larger of the two outages was reported in the Cultus Lake area at about 7:22 a.m. Pacific time and affected 1,144 customers, according to outage information reported from the BC Hydro dashboard.
The affected area was generally south of Vedder Mountain Road.
BC Hydro listed the cause as under investigation and said crews had been assigned.
A separate outage in Abbotsford began at about 5:39 a.m. and affected 1,217 customers.
The utility attributed that outage to a tree down across hydro wires and reported that crews were already on scene.
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What happened in the Fraser Valley
The two incidents affected a combined 2,361 customers based on the reported outage figures.
The Abbotsford outage covered an area east of 268 Street, west of Peardonville Road and south of Downes Road.
BC Hydro initially estimated that electricity could return to the Abbotsford area by approximately 8 a.m. Restoration times can change as crews assess damage and complete repairs.
The Cultus Lake outage did not initially have a confirmed cause or restoration time listed in the available update.
The outages were reported as a weather front moved into the region, with strong and blustery conditions reported in parts of the Fraser Valley.
However, BC Hydro had not confirmed that weather caused the Cultus Lake interruption.
How to check a BC Hydro outage
Residents can use the BC Hydro outage map or outage list to check whether their address is included and whether an estimated restoration time has been posted.
- Check the outage map for the affected address or area.
- Review the listed cause, crew status and estimated restoration time.
- Report the outage if it does not appear on the utility’s system.
BC Hydro says outage information is updated regularly, but details may not appear immediately after a failure occurs.
Customers can report an outage by calling 1-800-BCHYDRO, or *HYDRO (*49376) from a mobile phone.
Power outage safety reminders
Anyone who sees a fallen or damaged power line should stay at least 10 metres away and call 911.
A line should be treated as live even if it is not sparking or making noise.
People experiencing an outage should turn off major appliances and electronics to reduce the risk of damage when electricity returns.
Residents should also keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
Customers in apartments or condominiums whose outage appears limited to their own unit should contact their building manager after checking the breaker panel.
What happens next
BC Hydro crews will continue assessing the affected equipment and repairing the damage.
Restoration estimates may be revised as the utility determines whether trees, wires, poles or other equipment require work.
Residents in the affected areas should rely on the utility’s outage map and direct notifications for the latest restoration information rather than assuming that all customers will be restored at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many customers were affected by the eastern Fraser Valley outages?
Reported outage figures showed 1,144 customers affected near Cultus Lake and 1,217 in Abbotsford, for a combined 2,361 customers.
What caused the Abbotsford power outage?
BC Hydro information identified a tree down across hydro wires as the cause of the Abbotsford outage.
What caused the Cultus Lake outage?
The cause of the Cultus Lake outage was listed as under investigation in the available update.
How can I check whether my home is affected?
Use the BC Hydro outage map or outage list and search by address or location.
What should I do if I see a fallen power line?
Stay at least 10 metres away, do not approach or touch the line, and call 911.
Fact-Checked: Key outage figures, locations, reporting procedures and safety guidance were checked against BC Hydro’s official outage and safety information, with the Friday morning incident details independently corroborated by current local reporting. ([bchydro.com](https://www.bchydro.com/safety-outages/power-outages/outage_map.html?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Outage totals, causes and restoration estimates can change as BC Hydro crews investigate and repair the affected equipment.