Planned outage to cost thousands, business owner says

A local business owner says a BC Hydro decision to carry out equipment upgrades during a time when his doors are usually open will cost him thousands of dollars in lost business.

The utility has scheduled a planned outage for Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to noon from 1795 to 1915 Victoria St. to carry out equipment upgrades.

Mike Godfrey of Budget Brake and Muffler estimated it will leave him $2,000 to $4,000 out of pocket in foregone revenue and contends it is work Hydro could be doing during the evening when most small businesses are closed.

He said the only reason crews are not out at that time is so the utility can save a few hundred dollars on overtime. Instead, Godfrey said he was told he will need to bring in a backup generator if he wants power over the time a Hydro crew is doing the work.

"I can't plug a generator into my shop," Godfrey said. "I'd be back-feeding the whole system and risking your guys' safety.

"I'm an automotive shop, how big a generator do you want me to get?," he added. "Do you want me to rent one for $1,000, $2,000 and have an electrician wire it in?"

While doing the work during the daytime in a residential area is understandable, Godfrey said Hydro should take extra steps to avoid inconveniencing business districts.

At least one other business will be affected.

"There won't be any kind of transaction happening in my store, unfortunately," said Total Pet manager Derian Sawatsky.

Hydro spokesperson Ted Olynyk stressed notices of the outage were sent out ahead of time and that businesses should have a generator in place regardless.

"Hospitals have a backup, emergency services will have a backup...if power is critical to you in your daily operation, then you need to consider a backup," Olynyk said.

Olynyk also said peak hours can vary from business to business, noting that restaurants are busiest in the evening.

As to the matter of the cost of paying overtime, Olynyk said it would add up if Hydro agreed to Godfrey's suggestion and it would translate into higher electricity rates.

"You'd not just be dealing with one block of Prince George, the principal would carry throughout the province," Olynyk said.