SPRING 2026 BC HYDRO TRANSMISSION UPGRADES: REGIONAL OUTAGE SCHEDULE AND CITY SERVICE IMPACTS
As BC Hydro moves into the next phase of the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel power line replacement, residents and businesses in Powell River and surrounding region should prepare for two regional outages in May and June. To support the community during these critical infrastructure improvements, the City has identified specific impacts on municipal facilities, recreation sites, and public trails, while ensuring that essential services remain operational throughout the construction period.
PROJECT UPDATE
This project involves a major upgrade to the transmission lines serving customers in the Powell River area. BC Hydro is replacing an aging 138-kilovolt (kV) line with a new 230-kV standard line to improve safety, increase capacity for future growth, and enhance grid reliability.
Also this spring, the aging power line crossing at Agamemnon Channel will be removed, and temporary marine traffic restrictions will be in place while overhead power line work is underway. Watch this short video that explains the planned work and the marine traffic restrictions that will be in place. during this time.
Key Project Milestones
Completed: The Jervis Inlet crossing was successfully removed in October 2025. (The removal can be viewed in the Videos section in the right margin.)
This Spring: Starting Monday, April 20, crews will remove the transmission line crossing Agamemnon Channel crossing and perform extensive system upgrades, including the construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay. The line will be removed by severing the conductors and allowing them to fall down. The conductors will then be retrieved using a large barge with cable reels.
This Fall: The Agamemnon Channel crossing will be restrung.
Service Impacts
Planned Outages: Significant portions of this work require the power to be off for safety. These critical upgrades are scheduled to take place during the planned outages this spring. BC Hydro crews will also undertake system maintenance during these outages to maintain safe and reliable power for our customers. This will help prevent potential unplanned emergency outages in the future.
Operational Flexibility: The new infrastructure and bypass line are designed to give the grid more flexibility, reducing the impact of future maintenance or issues.
Long-Term Benefits
Once the project is finished, the region’s power system will be stronger and more resilient, with a higher voltage capacity (230-kV) to support long-term regional development.
PLANNED OUTAGES
Two planned power outages are required to safely connect the bypass line and complete the system upgrades. These outages will affect BC Hydro customers in Powell River and the surrounding areas, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.
The dates were selected to minimize impacts on schools and businesses, avoid conflicts with community events and holidays, and take advantage of lower electrical demand on Sundays.
Planned power outages are required for crews to safely complete this work. The outages [PDF, 200 KB] will take place on the following dates:
- Sunday, May 24 from 8am to 8pm
- Sunday, June 7 from 8 am to 8 pm
TRANSMISSION LINE REMOVAL
The transmission line crossing over Agamemnon Channel is scheduled for removal on the following dates
- Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24
In the event of poor weather, site conditions, BC Hydro has identified Saturday, April 25 through Friday, May 1 as contingency dates to undertake the removal of the transmission line.
LOCATION
While the Agamemnon Channel overhead power lines are being removed, marine traffic will be restricted from a 2.2 km stretch of Agamemnon Channel while overhead power line work is underway.
Marine traffic restrictions – Agamemnon Channel
Marine traffic will be restricted from a 2.2 km stretch of Agamemnon Channel while overhead power line work is underway.
This marine traffic closure will not impact BC Ferries service between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove.
Available navigation channels
A marine route around Nelson Island through Jervis Inlet will be available at all times.
A designated safe navigation channel will be reopened on the south side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels.
VHF radio communications
VHF radio broadcasts on Channel 68 will notify marine users of:
- Upcoming restrictions: Any activities that will restrict navigation shall be broadcast at least 30 minutes prior to any proposed restriction; and
- Available passage: Reopening of transit routes via the safe navigation channel shall be broadcast when safe clearances are available.
COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Sunshine Coast Trail closures near Saltery Bay
The upper trail at Saltery Creek and lower trail at Ahlstrom Point will be closed from March 2 to June 10, 2026. An alternate route will be available via Saltery Bay FSR Br 01 to Rainy Day Lake, connecting to the upper trail toward Elephant and Lois Lakes.
Available navigation channels
A marine route around Nelson Island through Jervis Inlet will be available at all times.
A designated safe navigation channel will be reopened on the south side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels.
VHF radio communications
VHF radio broadcasts on Channel 68 will notify marine users of:
- Upcoming restrictions: Any activities that will restrict navigation shall be broadcast at least 30 minutes prior to any proposed restriction; and
- Available passage: Reopening of transit routes via the safe navigation channel shall be broadcast when safe clearances are available.
Safety vessels will also monitor VHF channels 11 and 16 while work is underway.
Marine users are asked to use call sign “Safety Ranger” on VHF Channel 68 to contact the safety vessels.
For information about planned power outages and how to prepare, visit bchydro.com/outages.
To help our community prepare for the planned power outage, the City has outlined below how City-operated facilities / services are expected to be impacted during the outage:
✅ Operating as usual
|
⚠️ Operational with limits
|
⛔ Closed for the day
|
- Powell River Fire Rescue - Fire Hall #1
| - Traffic lights - normal or 4-way flash mode
| |
| - Waste Water Treatment Plant, not fully operational (Note: Odours expected during start up)
| - Powell River Public Library
|
- Water services - UV water treatment plant
| | - All Electric Vehicle charging stations
|
- Sewer Services – sanitary line issues
| - Willingdon beach campsite with manual entry gate
| - City Hall (regular Sunday schedule)
|
- Fuel pump at yard for fleet
| - (YPW) Airport - daylight use only until power is restored
| - Mowat Bay public washroom
|
| - Harbour Office - staff will be on site for emergencies and gate access. Showers, laundry, boat pump out, dockside electrical and electronic payment unavailable.
| - Shinglemill public washroom
|
| - Reduced water pressure in Wildwood until power is restored (Seton, Hillcrest and parts of Chilco, Columbia and Lois).
|
|
BC FERRIES
UPDATE: BC Ferries does not anticipate any schedule changes due to the power outage. Sailings between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove, as well as Westview and Comox are expected to operate as usual. It is recommended to check BC Ferries Service Notices before travelling.
BC Hydro Tips to prepare for the outage
Knowing a planned power outage is coming gives you a real head start. Please refer to Prepare Your Home for an Outage and Power Outage Checklist in the Documents section on the right panel of this page The checklist provided can help you prepare your home for an outage and ensure that you know what to do before, during and after an outage. It's all about being a little prepared so the inconvenience is as minimal as possible.
CONTACT BC HYDRO
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact BC Hydro at:
SPRING 2026 BC HYDRO TRANSMISSION UPGRADES: REGIONAL OUTAGE SCHEDULE AND CITY SERVICE IMPACTS
As BC Hydro moves into the next phase of the Jervis Inlet and Agamemnon Channel power line replacement, residents and businesses in Powell River and surrounding region should prepare for two regional outages in May and June. To support the community during these critical infrastructure improvements, the City has identified specific impacts on municipal facilities, recreation sites, and public trails, while ensuring that essential services remain operational throughout the construction period.
PROJECT UPDATE
This project involves a major upgrade to the transmission lines serving customers in the Powell River area. BC Hydro is replacing an aging 138-kilovolt (kV) line with a new 230-kV standard line to improve safety, increase capacity for future growth, and enhance grid reliability.
Also this spring, the aging power line crossing at Agamemnon Channel will be removed, and temporary marine traffic restrictions will be in place while overhead power line work is underway. Watch this short video that explains the planned work and the marine traffic restrictions that will be in place. during this time.
Key Project Milestones
Completed: The Jervis Inlet crossing was successfully removed in October 2025. (The removal can be viewed in the Videos section in the right margin.)
This Spring: Starting Monday, April 20, crews will remove the transmission line crossing Agamemnon Channel crossing and perform extensive system upgrades, including the construction of a permanent bypass line near Saltery Bay. The line will be removed by severing the conductors and allowing them to fall down. The conductors will then be retrieved using a large barge with cable reels.
This Fall: The Agamemnon Channel crossing will be restrung.
Service Impacts
Planned Outages: Significant portions of this work require the power to be off for safety. These critical upgrades are scheduled to take place during the planned outages this spring. BC Hydro crews will also undertake system maintenance during these outages to maintain safe and reliable power for our customers. This will help prevent potential unplanned emergency outages in the future.
Operational Flexibility: The new infrastructure and bypass line are designed to give the grid more flexibility, reducing the impact of future maintenance or issues.
Long-Term Benefits
Once the project is finished, the region’s power system will be stronger and more resilient, with a higher voltage capacity (230-kV) to support long-term regional development.
PLANNED OUTAGES
Two planned power outages are required to safely connect the bypass line and complete the system upgrades. These outages will affect BC Hydro customers in Powell River and the surrounding areas, including Lund, Cortes Island, Texada Island, and Saltery Bay.
The dates were selected to minimize impacts on schools and businesses, avoid conflicts with community events and holidays, and take advantage of lower electrical demand on Sundays.
Planned power outages are required for crews to safely complete this work. The outages [PDF, 200 KB] will take place on the following dates:
- Sunday, May 24 from 8am to 8pm
- Sunday, June 7 from 8 am to 8 pm
TRANSMISSION LINE REMOVAL
The transmission line crossing over Agamemnon Channel is scheduled for removal on the following dates
- Monday, April 20 to Friday, April 24
In the event of poor weather, site conditions, BC Hydro has identified Saturday, April 25 through Friday, May 1 as contingency dates to undertake the removal of the transmission line.
LOCATION
While the Agamemnon Channel overhead power lines are being removed, marine traffic will be restricted from a 2.2 km stretch of Agamemnon Channel while overhead power line work is underway.
Marine traffic restrictions – Agamemnon Channel
Marine traffic will be restricted from a 2.2 km stretch of Agamemnon Channel while overhead power line work is underway.
This marine traffic closure will not impact BC Ferries service between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove.
Available navigation channels
A marine route around Nelson Island through Jervis Inlet will be available at all times.
A designated safe navigation channel will be reopened on the south side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels.
VHF radio communications
VHF radio broadcasts on Channel 68 will notify marine users of:
- Upcoming restrictions: Any activities that will restrict navigation shall be broadcast at least 30 minutes prior to any proposed restriction; and
- Available passage: Reopening of transit routes via the safe navigation channel shall be broadcast when safe clearances are available.
COMMUNITY IMPACTS
Sunshine Coast Trail closures near Saltery Bay
The upper trail at Saltery Creek and lower trail at Ahlstrom Point will be closed from March 2 to June 10, 2026. An alternate route will be available via Saltery Bay FSR Br 01 to Rainy Day Lake, connecting to the upper trail toward Elephant and Lois Lakes.
Available navigation channels
A marine route around Nelson Island through Jervis Inlet will be available at all times.
A designated safe navigation channel will be reopened on the south side of the channel as soon as there is sufficient clearance from the shoreline for marine traffic, subject to clearance by safety vessels.
VHF radio communications
VHF radio broadcasts on Channel 68 will notify marine users of:
- Upcoming restrictions: Any activities that will restrict navigation shall be broadcast at least 30 minutes prior to any proposed restriction; and
- Available passage: Reopening of transit routes via the safe navigation channel shall be broadcast when safe clearances are available.
Safety vessels will also monitor VHF channels 11 and 16 while work is underway.
Marine users are asked to use call sign “Safety Ranger” on VHF Channel 68 to contact the safety vessels.
For information about planned power outages and how to prepare, visit bchydro.com/outages.
To help our community prepare for the planned power outage, the City has outlined below how City-operated facilities / services are expected to be impacted during the outage:
✅ Operating as usual
|
⚠️ Operational with limits
|
⛔ Closed for the day
|
- Powell River Fire Rescue - Fire Hall #1
| - Traffic lights - normal or 4-way flash mode
| |
| - Waste Water Treatment Plant, not fully operational (Note: Odours expected during start up)
| - Powell River Public Library
|
- Water services - UV water treatment plant
| | - All Electric Vehicle charging stations
|
- Sewer Services – sanitary line issues
| - Willingdon beach campsite with manual entry gate
| - City Hall (regular Sunday schedule)
|
- Fuel pump at yard for fleet
| - (YPW) Airport - daylight use only until power is restored
| - Mowat Bay public washroom
|
| - Harbour Office - staff will be on site for emergencies and gate access. Showers, laundry, boat pump out, dockside electrical and electronic payment unavailable.
| - Shinglemill public washroom
|
| - Reduced water pressure in Wildwood until power is restored (Seton, Hillcrest and parts of Chilco, Columbia and Lois).
|
|
BC FERRIES
UPDATE: BC Ferries does not anticipate any schedule changes due to the power outage. Sailings between Saltery Bay and Earls Cove, as well as Westview and Comox are expected to operate as usual. It is recommended to check BC Ferries Service Notices before travelling.
BC Hydro Tips to prepare for the outage
Knowing a planned power outage is coming gives you a real head start. Please refer to Prepare Your Home for an Outage and Power Outage Checklist in the Documents section on the right panel of this page The checklist provided can help you prepare your home for an outage and ensure that you know what to do before, during and after an outage. It's all about being a little prepared so the inconvenience is as minimal as possible.
CONTACT BC HYDRO
If you'd like to learn more about the project, please contact BC Hydro at:
Watch BC Hydro's successful removal of the longest marine power line crossing in its system across Jervis Inlet. The three-kilometer, 138-kilovolt line, which supplied Powell River and surrounding communities, was taken down using a controlled detonation. A team of 60 worked for a week, prioritizing safety and environmental protection. Work was even paused multiple times for humpback whales spotted in the area! This is the start of a major system upgrade, with a new 230-kilovolt line planned for installation by 2027 to improve reliability and increase capacity.
