Businesses west of Revelstoke are seeking compensation after a power outage cost them a weekend’s worth of business.
The power went out west of Revelstoke early Friday morning after a train snagged a low-hanging Telus cable. The cable held strong, but four electric poles were dragged down, said BC Hydro spokesperson Jen Walker-Larsen.
Power wasn’t restored until 8 p.m. on Saturday, but by then an entire weekend’s worth of business was lost.
At the Peaks Lodge, owner Tara-Lea Sharman said she had to refund customers for three sold-out nights of bookings – Thursday, Friday and Saturday – and close the restaurant.
“I lost about $20,000 worth of business,” she said.
Across the highway, at the Great White North restaurant, two big parties and Sunday brunch were cancelled as the restaurant had to close down for two days.
“That’s a pretty big hit for a small business like us,” said owner Jason Worby. “It was brutal for us, it was a bit of a nightmare.”
He said they’d already been in contact with BC Hydro about compensation for their losses.
The repairs to the downed poles took longer than expected due to the deep snow and steep slopes at the site, said Walker-Larsen. She said eight new power poles were installed alongside the Trans-Canada Highway to provide easier access and higher clearance along the railway line.
“BC Hydro thanks West Revelstoke customers for their patience especially with the cold weather,” she said,
You can get updates on power outages through BC Hydro.