The most common causes of unplanned power outages are weather, the environment, equipment issues, or, rarely, lack of electricity supply. Sometimes we plan outages to perform routine repairs and upgrades. We’ll do our best to contact you at least two days before a planned outage.
Outage Alerts
To ensure we can reach you during an unplanned outage, make sure you update your contact information and medical details with your utility retailer (the company that issues your electricity bill). Sign up for My Account to receive outage alerts when a power outage occurs. In the event of an unplanned outage, customers who are signed up through My Account will receive notification that includes:
- Confirmation that the power is out.
- The cause of the outage.
- Any updated restoration timelines.
- Notification when the power is restored,
Register for an account for email and text alerts.
Sign up for power outage alerts
Outage Map
Our Outage Map gives you access to electricity outage information in our service territory including estimated restoration times, cause and the number of affected customers. In addition, customers can:
Be prepared at home
Before an outage happens, make yourself aware of the Emergency Public Warning System that alerts Albertans of any safety threat by radio, television, text, social media or their app.
Visit the Alberta Emergency Alert website
It’s a good idea to always be prepared for a minimum of three days without electricity. Depending on the cause, it could take that long for first responders to get to you.
Stocking up on some basic supplies for you and your family will reduce the stress if you have to be without electricity.
More tips
Beyond the basic supplies, there’s more you can do to be prepared.
- Know the exact location of your main breaker so you can easily restore power if the problem is your breaker.
- Use surge protectors for valuable electronics.
- Keep a supply of wood on hand if you have a wood-burning fireplace.
- Know how to manually open or close your garage door or bypass your garage door opener.
- Consider installing a generator to provide power for must-run operations, especially on a farm.
- For farm animals:
- Create a warming area for younger livestock using straw bales and a plastic tarp.
- Build a water reservoir with tanks or barrels covered by straw bales.
- Be sure to keep extra feed and water on hand.
- Keep barn doors closed to maintain heat, and a window slightly open for air exchange.
Pets
Items to consider (from Government of Alberta)- Pet carrier
- First-aid kit and guide book
- Enough food and water to last up to seven days
- Liquid dish soap, disinfectant and paper towels
- Garbage bags/waste bags for clean-up
- Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
- Blanket/towels
- Medication
- Recent photos of your pet
- Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (check expiry dates)
- Copies of vaccination records, I.D. tags, medical and insurance information
Power Outage Tips
When the lights go off, check your fuse and breaker first, then check with your neighbours.