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Suncor operations cease at base plant after 'process upset' knocks out power

The Suncor oil sands facility seen from a helicopter near Fort McMurray, Alta., Tuesday, July 10, 2012. The oilsands boom that became a bust hits home when driving by empty workforce accommodation camps along highways near Fort McMurray in northern Alberta. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Suncor Energy Inc. says operations have ceased at its oilsands base plant near Fort McMurray, Alta., after a temporary power loss Wednesday afternoon.

Company spokesperson Erin Rees would only describe the cause of the power loss as a “process upset” but says power was restored as of Wednesday night.

Rees says she cannot provide more detail because it’s a “day to day operational issue.”

She says the incident does not impact the safety of the company’s employees or contractors.

Suncor is currently focused on a safe return to operations, Rees says.

She says during that return to operations, there is potential for additional flaring at the plant.