Power Outages

For Grandbridge customers, visit their Power Outages webpage for information on the status of the outage. Call 519-751-3522 to report power failures, wires down, power quality problems or report a new outage.

Hydro One offers and interactive power outage map for areas it serves. Customers can report an outage online, text 'outage' to 92887 (WATTS) or Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235

• Consider purchasing a weather radio or using a weather alerting service available to the public (e.g. WeatherCAN app) as severe weather is often associated with power outages.
• Keep flashlights with batteries in accessible locations.
• Make sure your home has a working carbon monoxide detector with a battery-powered back-up.
• Keep a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can make sure food stays at a safe temperature.
• Keep a good supply of ice in your freezer. It will help your freezer remain cold and you can also use it in your fridge or a cooler when preparing for a potential power outage.
• Consider installing:
  • a whole-home surge protector to avoid damaging appliances and electronics (offering more protection than typical power bars with surge protection),
  • alternative heating sources (e.g. wood-burning or natural gas fireplace) for winter outages,
  • a generator or other alternative power source (e.g. solar power) in the event your regular power supply is disrupted.
• Create an emergency plan that includes arrangements for any of your medical devices powered by electricity, refrigerated medicines, or devices reliant on the internet.
• Build an emergency kit for your home and be sure to include a crank operated or battery powered radio and shelf-stable foods (e.g. canned goods).
• Review your homeowners or renters insurance to ensure you have adequate insurance for your property and personal belongings. Know what is covered, the level of coverage, and the deductible.
• If conditions are forecasted for a potential outage (e.g. severe weather),
  • Fully charge all electronic, battery powered devices.
  • Prepare to keep the refrigerator and freezer cold with ice.
  • If possible, fill your bathtub with water to use it to flush your toilet during the outage.
  • Ensure battery powered electronic devices (e.g. cell phones, laptops, tablets) are charged
  • Begin unplugging any unnecessary electrical equipment and appliances.

• First check to see if neighbors have power. If no other home or building is experiencing a power outage, check your fuse box to ensure a fuse has not been blown or the main circuit breaker has not been tripped.
• Contact your power or hydro company to report the outage.
• Be sure to use your generator safely if you have one.
• Unplug all appliances (space heaters, toaster ovens, griddles, etc.) and power tools that may have been left on at the time of the outage and could ignite when they come back on.
• Unplug computers, televisions, stereos and other electronics to prevent damage caused by power surges (use surge protecting power bars where possible).
• Turn off the water to the clothes washer and dishwasher if they were in use when the power went out, if possible.
• If you are without heat during winter outages, drain water from your plumbing system as pipes can freeze.
• Leave a light or radio on so you will know when power is restored.
• Only use portable space heaters that are designed for indoor use.
• Never use barbecues, propane or kerosene heaters, or portable generators indoors. A natural gas stove can be used to prepare food but do not use it as a heating source.
• Never leave candles unattended.
• Do not use elevators.
• Consider these tips to ensure your food remains safe.
• Limit your cellphone use if you’re unable to charge the device and turn on power saving settings.

•  If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres back and report it to Grandbridge (519-751-3522) or 911. Even wires that have been down for several days could still be live.
• Contact an electrician if you notice any damage to your home’s electrical system.
• Give the electrical system a chance to stabilize before reconnecting tools and appliances. Turn the heating-system thermostats up first and reconnect your fridge and freezer before waiting another 10-15 minutes to reconnect other appliances and tools.
• Ensure your hot water heater is filled before turning on the power.
• Dispose of any spoiled food in your fridge and freezer. Consult your public health unit regarding what items may need to be discarded following the power outage. When in doubt, throw it out!
• Contact your doctor or pharmacist for information about proper storage of medication that requires refrigeration, such as insulin.
• Evaluate your emergency plan and restock your emergency kit.

• Grandbridge Energy
• Hydro One
• Electrical Safety Authority
• Power Outages and Blackouts- Emergency Management Ontario
• Power Outages- Get Prepared
• How Power is Restored Infographic- Electrical Safety Authority