Statement regarding the B.C. Utilities Commission’s decision on Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Jun 23, 2025

KELOWNA, B.C.—June 23, 2025: FortisBC Inc. (FortisBC) has received the British Columbia Utilities Commission’s (BCUC) decision that finds FortisBC’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy to be consistent with its Electric Tariff. We acknowledge the BCUC’s findings regarding the need for continued engagement with communities and affected parties.

We value the feedback we have received and will continue to engage with our customers, Indigenous, local and provincial governments, and community partners. As we take next steps, we remain committed to engaging in dialogue and working collaboratively with local emergency planning and community partners to ensure community preparedness.

Our priority is, and always will be, keeping the power on safely and reliably for our customers. The PSPS policy is intended as a last-resort, preventative measure—used temporarily and only when necessary—to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect the people and communities we serve.

Background

• A PSPS event is a preventative measure and a tool of last resort where we temporarily shut off power to limited sections of our system only during periods of extreme wildfire risk and high sustained wind speeds to reduce potential ignition sources.
• We are committed to keeping customers informed. For more information on FortisBC’s wildfire safety measures, visit fortisbc.com/wildfiresafety to find:
• top questions and answers about wildfire safety
• a map of areas where a PSPS event may occur
• an online form to submit comments and questions
• how to register as a vulnerable customer if you rely on power for medical needs
• It’s important to keep in mind that wildfires are one of a variety of reasons you could experience a power outage, and we encourage all of our customers to follow PreparedBC’s guides for building an emergency plan.

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