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Power Outages and Utility Disruptions

Hydro and gas utilities power our daily needs and are critical infrastructure relied upon by the community for life safety, health, and essential needs.

Prepare your household

Power outages and natural gas disruptions

Power outages and natural gas disruptions can cut the hydro and gas supply to your home or workplace. These can occur due to severe weather impacts and damage to the facilities and supply networks. Disruptions are usually temporary, but depending on the damage it could take anywhere from 24-72 hours to repair. Conveniences such as heating/cooling, water supply, and charging devices can be affected. Residents need to be prepared to manage their needs during this time and have patience while repairs restore your services.

During power outages

  • Switch off and unplug major appliances, computers, and televisions to avoid damaging them when the power comes back on.
  • Use surge protectors wherever possible
  • Keep a battery powered or wind-up radio in your emergency kit to listen for emergency updates.
  • Keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible to avoid food spoiling.
  • Keep mobile phones charged.
  • Keep your vehicle fuel tank full in case you cannot stay at your home during the outage or need to evacuate.
  • Never use a generator indoors or in the garage.  Generators need to be used outdoors in a ventilated area to avoid deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Check the outages map for your area

Hydro providers in the region have outages maps that can show you the extent of a power outage and current updates.

What should you do if you detect a natural gas leak?

  • Evacuate immediately
  • Call 911 from outside or a neighbour's home

Learn how to detect a gas leak before it occurs

  • Smell It - In its pure state, natural gas has no smell or taste. As a safety precaution, a scent called methyl mercaptan is added to natural gas. This odour smells like rotten eggs or sulphur, so that natural gas leaks can be detected.
  • See It - Natural gas is clear and has no colour, but it can leave behind visible signs of a leak including bubbles in wet or flooded areas, patches of dead vegetation, blowing dust from holes in the ground, or even flames. In some cases, spotting vapours or ground frosting can suggest a high-pressure leak.
  • If you are planning to dig, build or excavate on your property, you are required to by law to locate all of your utility lines first.  It is important to complete this step to ensure safety for you and your community.  All it takes is one call to Ontario One.
  • If your gas has been shut off it must be turned back on by a professional.  Contact your local natural gas provider to make the necessary arrangements.

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