Weathering the storm: FortisBC encourages power outage preparedness as storm season approaches

Weathering the storm: FortisBC encourages power outage preparedness as storm season approaches

Oct 15, 2025

Survey finds few are prepared for prolonged outages―but there are steps that customers can take to stay safe and comfortable

KELOWNA, B.C.-October 15, 2025: As the fall and winter storm season approaches, FortisBC is reminding electricity customers of the importance of being prepared for power outages year-round, especially as unpredictable weather can strike at any time. Recent survey results show that while most households in the region recognize the importance of being prepared, many feel they could do more to get ready for an extended service interruption.

"We understand power outages are disruptive and can be stressful for families and businesses," said Ada Nadison, public safety program manager, FortisBC. "While we work year-round to keep the electricity system reliable, external factors such as weather, especially during this time of year, mean outages can happen at any time. By staying prepared, customers can help keep themselves and their communities safe and comfortable, no matter what the season brings."

Recent survey data from residents in B.C.'s Southern Interior found that 78 per cent of respondents agree it's important to be prepared for prolonged outages, but only 29 percent feel prepared. Power outages can happen for many reasons, including storms, wildfires, flooding, motor vehicle accidents and planned maintenance work. In the fall and winter months, adverse weather is the most common cause, with wind or snow bringing trees into contact with power lines.

FortisBC works throughout the year to keep its electricity system safe and reliable. This includes regular maintenance, management to keep rights-of-way clear and ongoing investments to strengthen infrastructure. These efforts help reduce the frequency of outages, but unpredictable events, such as windstorms or other severe weather, can still impact the system.

Each year, trees that touch or fall on power lines contribute to more than 100,000 hours of electricity outage time, underscoring the impact of fall and winter weather on the electricity system.

FortisBC encourages customers to understand which appliances and systems in their homes and businesses rely on electricity, so they can take appropriate steps to prepare for potential outages, including:

• Assemble an emergency kit with supplies that are easy to find in the dark.
• Keep phones, batteries and electric vehicles charged.
• Have a safe way to prepare food and store water (remember to never use outdoor cooking appliances indoors).
• If you rely on medical equipment, ensure you have a backup power source.
• Businesses should consider backup power options such as generators or uninterruptible power supplies.
• Know what resources and supports are available in your community.
• Check in on neighbours, especially those who may need extra help during an outage.

Customers can find outage updates and resources at fortisbc.com/outages, or by following @FortisBC on X (formerly Twitter).

For more information on preparing for outages, visit fortisbc.com/poweroutages or preparedbc.ca.

Backgrounder: Outage and survey data

The following data provides additional context on outage trends and customer preparedness in FortisBC's electric service territory.

• From 2020 to 2023, FortisBC's electric service territory experienced an average of 122 weather-related outages each fall and winter season (October to March). In 2024, annual data shows 230 weather-related outages, including 18 outages that lasted longer than 24 hours.
• Each year, trees contacting power lines contribute to more than 100,000 hours of electricity outage time, highlighting the impact of seasonal storms.
• The survey of Southern Interior residents, commissioned by FortisBC and carried out by Leger and conducted in June 2025, included 400 respondents from FortisBC's electric service territory. Results showed that 78 per cent agree it's important to be prepared for prolonged outages, but only 29 per cent feel prepared.

FortisBC power line technicians fix power lines following a winter storm in the Kootenays.

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