More power outages possible this winter after dry summer: BC Hydro

BC Hydro is warning customers to be prepared for significant power outages after the province endured one of its driest summers on record this year.

Hydro spokeswoman Susie Rieder says trees weakened by drought can be more susceptible to winds and as storm season ramps up, a substantial number of dead and damaged trees are expected to fall, leading to power outages.

The Crown corporation says its crews replaced more than 1400 power poles for 20,000 customers affected by wildfires since May, but the ongoing drought means there are still risks of outages this fall.

Reider says residents should have an emergency kit ready, containing 72-hours worth of food, batteries, first-aid supplies and other items.