At EPCOR, we do our best to ensure you always have power at the flick of a switch. Sometimes though, due to many causes like Alberta's weather conditions, lightning, high winds or other causes, we are unable to guarantee uninterrupted service. Most power outages last only a few moments, but in extreme cases such as severe storms, outages can last more than a day.
To prepare for a power outage in advance, please read Be Prepared for a Power Outage.
Know what to do if your power does go out. Print this information and keep it in a convenient location.
- Find a flashlight.
- Determine if the power failure is limited to your home.
- IMPORTANT: If your neighbour's power is still on, check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box.
- Check the breakers to determine if they need to be reset. Always face away from the circuit breaker panel when operating a breaker.
- If required, replace fuses with the same size fuses only.
- If you are not sure what to do, call:
EPCOR Emergency Response at (780) 412-4500 within the City of Edmonton.
FortisAlberta at 310-WIRE (9473) toll-free outside Edmonton 1-855-333-WIRE (9473) .
If you have a different Wires Services Provider, check your utility bill for emergency contact information.
- Check to see if the power is out in your neighbourhood once you have determined everything is fine with the circuit breaker panel or fuse box in your home. If the power is out, please report the outage. Contacting us helps determine the extent of the outage. To report an outage:
- Contact your Wires Services Provider by telephone:
EPCOR Emergency Reponse at (780) 412-4500 within the City of Edmonton.
FortisAlberta at 310-WIRE (9473) toll-free outside Edmonton 1-855-333-WIRE (9473) .
If you have a different Wires Services Provider, check your utility bill for emergency contact information.
- In surrounding areas, have your account number or service location with you (it is printed on your utility bill). This number helps FortisAlberta pinpoint exactly where you are and helps them get your lights back on quickly.
- Please do not attempt to contact us by email. A telephone call allows us to respond to the situation faster.
- Please call only once. Multiple calls will not restore the power more quickly or create a quicker response - once a single call is received, we will be on the job as quickly as possible. Repeated calls may delay other customers from reporting new problems.
- IMPORTANT: If you see a downed power line, please call immediately with the exact location. Keep back a minimum or 10 metres (33 feet) from the wires or anything in contact with the wires, and warn others of the danger. Always assume that the lines are energized.
- Turn off all appliances, tools and lights except one light to signal you when the power comes back on.
- Appliances and tools left switched on will start up automatically when your power is restored; turning them off prevents injury or fire.
- Sensitive electronics such as garage door openers, VCRs, DVD players, video game consoles, satellite receivers, microwaves, TVs, computers, etc. could be damaged if a power fluctuation follows your service restoration.
- To prevent damage, unplug or use surge protection devices.
- Do not turn off your fridge and freezer - you might forget to turn them back on once power is restored. Only open your fridge or freezer when absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 48 hours if the door remains closed.
- If you leave your home during the outage, please ensure your oven, stove, and all other heat-producing appliances are unplugged. This minimizes the risk of fire when power is restored.
- Power can be restored more easily by reducing the load on the electricity system.
- DO NOT USE barbecues, portable generators, or propane/kerosene heaters indoors. They can produce deadly fumes and are only for outdoor use with proper ventilation.
- If you light candles, use candleholders and NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
Once your power is restored:
- Turn on only the most essential appliances first to give the electrical system a chance to stabilize. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before reconnecting other appliances.
- Check your fridge and freezer to ensure they are back on. Check your freezer's guide to determine if the food can be safely refrozen.
- Don't forget to reset your clocks, timers, and alarms.
- Replace any items from your Emergency Kit which you may have used so you are prepared for future outages.