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Outages and Safety

Power Outage Causes and Safety Tips

Power outages can result from a variety of natural events, as well as human and technological issues. It is important that we know what causes power outages, so that we can put preventive measures in place.


Severe Weather

Severe weather such as ice storms, high winds, and thunderstorms can bring down power lines, damage electrical equipment and create electrical hazards along the way, often leading to prolonged outages.

Defective Equipment

Some equipment and materials may have had an inherent flaw at the time of installation, leading to deficiencies much earlier than anticipated. This could be the result of a manufacturing defect, design flaw, or assembly error causing it to malfunction ahead of its expected lifespan.

Vehicle Accidents

Car accidents involving utility poles, power lines or other electrical equipment can lead to sustained outages. It is important to drive carefully, especially in adverse weather to reduce the risk of accidents and prevent localized outages.

Animal Interference

Squirrels, birds and rodents can interfere with the electrical grid and cause power outages by chewing wires or nesting in transformers. Keep trees and bushes trimmed and seal up any entry points to prevent animals from accessing electrical equipment.

Planned Maintenance

Utilities may temporarily shut off power in order to perform scheduled maintenance or necessary upgrades to the electrical grid. InnPower will notify customers in advance of planned power interruptions through telephone, social media and our website.

Visit Outages and Safety | innpower to view all of our planned and past outages.

Digging Without a Locate

Contact Home - Ontario One Call to request a locate at least five days before you start digging! Hitting underground infrastructure can damage electrical equipment and put stress on the grid causing temporary outages in some cases. Do your part and call or click before you dig. It’s free, it’s easy, it’s the law!


Types of Outages

Momentary Outage

These are sometimes known as flickers. Momentary outages are power outages that last under one minute in duration. Although these outages may be inconvenient, InnPower's automated equipment on the distribution system helps minimize the risk of sustained outages.

Sustained Outage

Sustained outages are power outages lasting longer than one minute in duration. During these outages, crews are dispatched right away to restore the power as quickly and safely as possible.

Prevention & Preparation

Power outages are inevitable and can result in more than just a disruption to your daily routine if not prepared. Whether there is severe weather, issues with equipment, planned maintenance, a vehicle accident, or any other forces that may cause a power outage, there are preventative measures and steps you can take to stay safe.

Create an Emergency Kit and Plan

Safety should always be your first priority. Be sure to have your emergency kit stocked and a copy of your plan on hand!

Some essentials to add to your emergency kit include:

  • Water and non-perishable food items – enough to last you and your family for at least 72 hours.
  • Flashlights and battery operated or hand-crank radio
  • Blankets, extra clothes
  • Medications and First aid kit
  • A copy of important documents and your emergency plan in a waterproof container.

Your plan should include resources, and evacuation measures specific to your home, family and neighbourhood. As well as a list of medical needs for each family member if necessary. Make sure everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency without power.

Using Backup Power Sources Safely

If you live in an area prone to outages, consider investing in a generator. Make sure to use it safely in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Your generator must be connected to your home via an approved transfer panel and switch installed by a licensed electrician.

Never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet, as this can create dangerous feedback into the electrical lines, increasing voltage and posing a serious risk to utility workers.

To use your generator safely:

  • Follow manufacturer's instructions
  • Operate outdoors, in a well-ventilated area, away from windows and doors, to prevent exhaust fumes from entering your home.
  • Plug lights and appliances directly into the generator, and when using an extension cord, make sure they’re properly rated and CSA-approved.
Other items to consider to prevent damage after a power outage:

Unplug unnecessary appliances to prevent overloading the circuit when power returns. High electricity demand can trip breakers when everything powers up at once. Stay safe—check breakers once the power is restored to avoid issues!

Be sure to regularly inspect your property for electrical hazards such as overlying branches or fallen trees to prevent further damage during an emergency.

Hire a licensed electrical contractor if you need electrical work done to your home after a power outage. Visit Hire a Licensed Electrical Contractor - ESA to make sure you do it properly!

Sign up for alerts from your local utility company on social media to receive updates on outages in your area. Save your phone battery with low-power mode settings and listen for updates from local officials in your area.

Understanding why power outages occur is essential for creating a solution to the causes and helping to ensure a smooth, safe restoration process. Knowing what to expect and taking proper precautions, can help you prepare for anything!
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Cashiering Desk Closed - Inclement Weather

Our cashiering desk is closed today, Thursday, Feb 13 due to inclement weather, and will reopen tomorrow, Friday, Feb 14, for regular business hours. 

Please note that Customer Service will still be available over the phone and by email to assist you!

We thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.