BC Hydro restoring power, but nearly 300 customers in Merritt and area still without power

MERRITT, B.C. — BC Hydro says service has been restored to more than 80 customers in the Interior this weekend, including 42 in Merritt, who were impacted by the severe storm on Nov. 14 and 15.

In a news release Monday (Dec. 6), BC Hydro says there’s extensive damage to the Highway 8 corridor between Merritt and Spences Bridge. In total, the storm destroyed 87 power poles and 14 transformers along Highway 8.

BC Hydro says it’s working to restore service to customers between Merritt and Brookmere and should have some repairs completed by the end of the week. There are still 289 customers without power in Merritt and surrounding communities.

BC Hydro says all remaining customers need to have a qualified electrical contractor inspect their electrical equipment and appliances before it can reconnect their home.

Restoration along Highway 5 is still likely several weeks away, as the road repairs are taking considerable time and need to be completed first.