CALGARY -- Suncor Energy Inc. says operations have ceased at its oil sands 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.