UPDATE: The power was restored to more then 2,300 homes and business around downtown Vernon on Monday night around 7 p.m.
The outage, caused by vandalism, lasted more than two hours, according to BC Hydro.
“The outage was the result of someone interfering with our equipment,” BC Hydro spokesperson Tanya Fish said. “In this case, an individual was seen shaking a guy wire that is used to secure a power pole to the ground.”
The shaking caused the power lines to touch each other, causing them to arc.
“This resulted in a outage to around 2,300 customers,” she said.
“We want to remind the public that interfering with electrical equipment is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury and even death.”
ORIGINAL STORY:
BC Hydro crews are investigating a power outage affecting nearly all of downtown Vernon.
The outage started just after 4:15 p.m. on Monday and has affected over 2,300 customers, both homes and businesses.
Areas south of 37 Avenue, north of Highway 6, west of Bodwell Road and east of 27 Avenue are without electricity and the outages are under investigation.