Look what the Shingle just published: Local accommodation stymies Hydro’s power outage response.

If you think Gabriola’s power outages are too long, you may want to invite a BC Hydro worker home for supper and a nap.

A lack of suitable island accommodations means Hydro (BCH) probably won’t send repair crews to the island until the following day if a power outage happens around dinner time or later, Stephen Watson of Hydro’s community relations department told the Shingle Dec. 24.

Argh! No wonder we’ve had so many all-night power outages.

Asked if having arranged accommodation would change this situation, Watson said that it would (…) Bed and Breakfast accommodations won’t suffice, he said, since the crews would need not only rooms but the opportunity for three meals a day. Hydro would cover the costs, Watson said, if accommodations could be found.

Of course accommodations can be found, you silly people.

Watson, who was responding to a question about why hydro crews did not come to Gabriola as soon as the power went out Dec.19, said that unless it is clear the workers will be able to leave by the time of the last ferry run, they are not sent out. [continue]

Now this is the sort of thing I wish we’d known years ago. Looks like it’s time to contact Gabriola Emergency Social Services to offer our guest bedrooms and our cooking for the Hydro crews.

Dear Hydro repair people: you’re welcome here anytime, even after the power is back on. If we’ve got power and ingredients, we’ll even make lemon pudding, just for you.

Dear Shingle people: thank you for a very informative and helpful article.

UPDATE: Gisele Rudischer says that "BC Hydro is responsible for arranging accommodation unless an emergency situation is declared by the Provincial Emergency Program (PEP)." Source: Hydro accommodation question clarified – Flying Shingle, January 2009.

Tags: ,