GrandBridge Energy delivers safe, clean and reliable power to customers and communities. Here, we’ll provide tips for power outages and emergency preparedness.
Types of Outages
Unplanned Outages
Unplanned power outages can happen at any time due to animal contact with our system, adverse weather resulting in trees falling on lines or other damage to our equipment, vandalism/theft of equipment, motor vehicle accidents, unexpected equipment failure and loss of electricity supply from Hydro One Networks Inc.
Planned Outages
We aim to give customers at least two days advance notice for planned outages that will last longer than one hour. Customers are notified by telephone and email of the date and time of the outage and its expected duration.
Preparing for an Outage
Take action now to keep your family safe before, during, and after an outage.
Public Safety Canada’s Get Prepared campaign offers emergency preparedness resources to help you lessen the impacts of an outage in advance for unplanned and planned outages.
- Know the location of your fuse box or circuit breaker and be knowledgeable on how to reset the circuit or change a fuse.
- Keep an emergency kit with flashlights and batteries, battery-operated radio, candles, candle holders and matches, bottled water, and blankets.
- Use a surge protector to protect electronic items like computers, TVs, DVD players, and stereo equipment.
- If you have an automatic garage door, be sure you can open it by hand.
- Leave one light switch on to know when the power has been restored.
- Turn off the stove and any heating elements that were in use when the power went off.
- Turn off the water to the clothes washer, water heater, and dishwasher.
- If using candles, keep them away from curtains and other flammable items. Try battery-operated candles – they are much safer.
- Do not open the refrigerator or freezer while the power is off.
- Inspect your property for damage. Before turning on appliances and electronics, inspect your home and outdoor areas for damage. Document any damage so you can arrange repairs.
- Check your electrical panel. If there is damage, turn off your power at the panel and hire a licensed electrical contractor to make repairs for you.
- Check the food in your refrigerator and freezer. If the outage is longer than 24 hours, don’t take any chances with spoiled food.
- Don’t attempt to remove a fallen tree or branches from powerlines.
- Avoid downed or hidden powerlines. Call 9-1-1 to report the issue and remain at least 10 metres (the length of a school bus away from downed powerlines at all times.