UPDATE: Power restored after 5700 residents were left in the dark

Update

Power has been restored following a two-hour power outage in Prince George that affected over 5700 customers.

BC Hydro Northern Community Relations Spokesperson Bob Gammer says crews were finally able to pin down the cause.

“Near the location of 15th and Foothills crews found some overhead wires wrapped around each other. It is hard to say exactly what caused that as there were no obvious signs of damage but it is sometimes the case where a power pole or the anchor pole that holds that pole upright gets hit by a vehicle or something and it can shake the pull hard enough that those wires can sway. When they touch they cause a fault and that leads to the outage like what was the case this morning.”

Gammer also encourages people to lend a helping hand if people are still in the dark. “While most people are back on there may be one or two out in pockets here and there around the city. If you are still in the dark or if you see that your neighbors have power but you don’t call us at 1-888-769-3766.”

Original Story 7:49 am

A major power outage has left thousands of Prince George residents in the dark.

BC Hydro Northern Community Relations Spokesperson, Bob Gammer says the outage is extensive. “By my count, I’ve got 5700 customers in the dark, basically it is north of 22nd Avenue around the area of the College of New Caledonia running northward up to North Nechako Road out to Cranbrook Hill over to Highway 97.”

The cause of the outage is under investigation.

Hydro crews are en route to the Foothills and Chief Lake Road substations to check for any issues.

Gammer says the issue is something they can locate quickly and begin repairs shortly after.