What caused the BC Hydro outage in Victoria and Oak Bay?

Local reports cited equipment failure and downed lines as the likely cause. Faulty components or stressed connectors can trip circuits, prompting protective shutoffs. Crews then isolate the fault, make repairs, and re-energize in stages once it is safe. This sequence aligns with standard utility restoration practice during winter conditions.

How many customers were affected and when was power restored?

Coverage indicated nearly 5,000 to more than 5,300 customers were impacted on Feb. 20 across Oak Bay and parts of Victoria. Crews restored service later the same day as repairs progressed and hazards were cleared. Restoration sequencing prioritized safety, including de-energizing damaged spans and re-energizing feeders in steps.

What are the investment takeaways from this outage?

A localized equipment failure highlights ongoing needs for grid maintenance, selective undergrounding, and vegetation management. For investors monitoring Canadian utilities, these themes support steady regulated capital plans and predictable financing. Reliability improvements can limit outage costs, aid constructive regulation, and help keep long-term customer rates stable.

How can small businesses reduce outage risk and losses?

Define critical loads, add UPS to POS and routers, and maintain a tested generator or battery backup. Protect inventory with temperature sensors and spoilage procedures. Keep a staff contact tree, offline payment options, and clear vendor plans. These steps cut downtime, improve customer communication, and support smoother insurance claims.

Global Market Insights

BC Hydro Outage February 22: Victoria, Oak Bay Power Restored

ByDanny Kontos February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

The BC Hydro outage in Victoria and Oak Bay on Feb. 20 left thousands without electricity during -2°C weather. Power has since been restored, but the event highlights grid reliability and maintenance spending that matter to residents and investors. We break down what happened, how service returned, and what the outage signals about equipment risk, regulatory costs, and business disruption. Our focus is practical: actions to reduce downtime, protect inventory, and assess resilience as winter weather stresses aging assets.