BC Hydro says it has completed the vast majority of work needed to restore power to the North Shuswap and the Adams Lake area.

It says crews restrung the last span of wire Wednesday bringing an end to what has been “an extensive rebuild” of the infrastructure that was damaged by the Bush Creek East wildfire.

“Over the past several weeks, more than 150 workers have worked to restore power to the 4,000 customers that lost power as a result of the wildfire,” spokesperson Mora Scott said. “The Bush Creek East wildfire caused significant damage to the electrical infrastructure in the area – about 22 kilometres of power lines, 430 poles and 52 pieces of other equipment needed to be replaced.”

“Crews have replaced 427 poles and yesterday restrung the last span of wire on Holding Road on the way to Adams Lake.”

Scott says the crews have also undertaken an extensive clean up effort – in partnership with first responders and BC Wildfire Service – to remove debris and vegetation from the impacted areas.

“Power has now been restored to more than 99.5 per cent of the customers impacted,” Scott added.

“BC Hydro is offering support to customers impacted by the wildfires. Residential and commercial customers who were affected by an evacuation order are eligible to receive a credit for the electricity consumed for the duration of the time they’re out of their home, if the order was for five days or longer.”

As of publishing, power was out for about 20 BC Hydro customers along Lee Creek Drive. Crews are on-site with power expected to be restored by 3 p.m. tomorrow, Sept. 15.

Scott says part of the rebuild effort also included replacing osprey platforms – taller power poles with a dedicated nesting platform – meant to keep birds safe while preventing prevent power outages and equipment damage due to nesting.

For the latest on BC Hydro outages, go here.