New mobile website to help people during outages
By Nelson Daily Staff
The power goes out on a regular basis in the West Kootenay during the winter.
In light of the fact today is the first official day of winter, BC Hydro has introduced a new mobile-friendly version of www.bchydro.com that makes it easier for customers to access information on their smart phones during power outages.
The mobile site will work with most smart phone devices and provides quick access to outage details and all other information at www.bchydro.com.
BC Hydro is the first utility in Canada to introduce a mobile friendly website.
“With predictions for a long, stormy winter season due to the La Nina weather pattern, this improved form of mobile communication has timely, relevant updates on outages across B.C.,” said Eric Valois, general manager, Distribution Services, BC Hydro.
BC Hydro is also encouraging customers to prepare adequately for an outage with an emergency kit containing flashlights, a battery-operated radio, corded-telephone and warm clothing and blankets.
People in the colder regions of the province should remember to turn off all appliances and electronics – especially portable electric heaters – when they do experience an outage.
When power is restored, electricity can rush to all items left in the “on” position and cause the system to overload and potentially cause additional damage to the system and a second outage.
If customers experience a power outage this winter, they are asked to call 1 888 POWERON to report the outage.
