Thousands of Sooke residents experienced a sudden power outage on Wednesday evening, leaving homes and businesses without electricity for nearly two hours. The disruption was caused by a failure in a transmission circuit, according to local utility officials.
Power was restored at 8:20 p.m., after about 8,000 customers had been affected since 6:06 p.m. The outage impacted multiple neighborhoods across the area, causing temporary disruptions for households, traffic signals, and local businesses.
Officials said the outage covered a wide area. Some of the most affected locations included areas west of Sooke Road and north of Gatewood Road, north of Maple Avenue and west of Alderbrook Ranch Road, north of Phillips Road, and east of West Coast Road, west of Berkeley Road, and south of Denfield Road.
Residents reported that the power went out suddenly, leaving many in the dark during the evening hours. Some locals expressed frustration, noting that evening routines and household activities were disrupted.
Utility crews worked promptly to identify the cause and restore service. Engineers traced the problem to a transmission circuit failure, which was repaired efficiently. Power returned in stages, and by 8:20 p.m., full service had been restored across all affected neighborhoods.
Officials reminded residents of the importance of preparedness for sudden power outages. They suggested keeping flashlights, battery-powered devices, and essential supplies ready in case of unexpected electrical disruptions.
Local authorities said that while the outage lasted only two hours, such incidents highlight the need for continued investment in infrastructure and rapid response measures. “Our teams responded quickly to restore power safely. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate the community’s patience,” a spokesperson said.
During the outage, some residents reported difficulty accessing online services and using household appliances. Traffic lights in affected areas also went dark, prompting caution for drivers. Authorities urged drivers to treat intersections with care and follow safety guidelines until power was fully restored.
Power disruptions of this type are relatively rare in Sooke, but they underscore the importance of resilient electrical systems. Utility companies continue to inspect circuits and transmission lines regularly to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Residents shared their experiences on social media, with many noting that the outage served as a reminder of the reliance on electricity for everyday activities. Several praised the quick response from utility crews, emphasizing that service was restored faster than expected.
Officials said that investigations into the cause of the transmission circuit failure are ongoing. Measures are being taken to ensure that similar outages are minimized, particularly during peak usage hours.
The swift restoration of power in Sooke demonstrates the efficiency of response teams and the importance of maintaining reliable energy infrastructure. Utility companies encourage residents to report any unusual electrical activity promptly to help prevent extended outages.
