Across Ottawa, an extensive network of electrical infrastructure quietly powers our daily lives - from lighting our homes and schools to keeping businesses and hospitals running. This network includes more than 3,000 kilometres of underground cables, 2,700 kilometres of overhead power lines, and approximately 50,000 hydro poles throughout the city.
While this system is essential, it also carries serious risks if not treated with caution. Electricity is powerful, invisible and unforgiving - which is why understanding how to stay safe around electrical equipment and power lines is so important, especially during Ottawa’s challenging winter conditions.
At Hydro Ottawa, public safety is always a top priority. Whether you’re out for a walk, working in your yard, driving in winter weather, or planning a home project, knowing what to do - and what not to do - can make all the difference.
Downed power lines: Always assume they’re live
Snow, ice and strong winds can cause power lines to fall - particularly during winter storms. While a downed line may look harmless, the danger lies in what you can’t see: electricity.
If you see a downed power line, always assume it is live and dangerous.
- Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away - about the length of a school bus
- Keep clear of anything the line may be touching, including trees, vehicles, fences or puddles
- Be especially cautious around wet or icy ground, as electricity can travel further through moisture
Electricity spreads outward through the ground like ripples in a pool. The voltage is strongest closest to the point of contact and decreases with distance - which is why maintaining that 10-metre buffer is critical.
If you see a downed power line: Call 911 immediately, then contact Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400.
Overhead power lines: Distance matters
You don’t need to touch a power line to be electrocuted. Electricity can arc through the air if you or your equipment get too close.
For your safety:
- Stay at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from overhead power lines
- This includes any tools you’re using - ladders, shovels, pruning tools or long-handled equipment
- Always look up before starting outdoor work
With thousands of kilometres of overhead lines across Ottawa neighbourhoods, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and treat all electrical equipment as live and dangerous.
Never tamper with electrical equipment
You’ve likely seen pad-mounted transformers - the green metal boxes found in many neighbourhoods. While they may look harmless, they contain high-voltage electrical equipment and are always energized.
For your safety:
- Never climb on, sit on, open or tamper with electrical equipment (this one is especially important to share with your kids)
- Keep a clear space around pad-mounted transformers, especially the front access area
- Do not block access with fencing, landscaping or stored items
Clear access ensures the safety of Hydro Ottawa crews who may need to respond quickly during maintenance or outage restoration.
The safest approach is simple: leave electrical equipment alone.
Vehicle contact with power lines: Stay inside
Winter driving conditions in Ottawa can be unpredictable. If your vehicle comes into contact with a utility pole or downed power lines, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle.
If this happens:
- Stay inside the vehicle
- Call 911, then Hydro Ottawa
- Your vehicle acts as a protective barrier as long as you remain inside
If there is an immediate danger, such as a fire, and you must exit:
- Jump clear of the vehicle with both feet together
- Do not touch the vehicle and the ground at the same time
- Shuffle away at least 10 metres, keeping your feet in contact with the ground at all times
This method helps reduce the risk of electrical current travelling through your body.
Substations: Keep out, stay safe
Across the city, more than 80 substations help distribute electricity to homes and businesses. These facilities contain powerful electrical equipment and are always energized.
Substations are fenced and clearly marked for a reason:
- Never enter a substation yard or climb the fence
- Avoid playing or lingering near substations
- If something goes inside the fenced area, do not attempt to retrieve it
Instead, contact Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400 so trained crews can respond safely.
Dig safely: Click before you dig
Planning a yard project? Digging safely starts before you break ground.
Underground power lines and other utilities may be buried on your property. Striking one can result in serious injury, outages, or worse.
Before you dig:
- Contact Ontario One Call to request a free utility locate
- Book your locate at least five business days in advance
- Wait for all utilities to mark their infrastructure
- Dig carefully, staying at least one metre away from marked lines
Whether you’re planting a tree, installing a fence or building a deck, clicking before you dig helps keep everyone safe.
Safety starts with awareness
Electrical safety isn’t just the responsibility of utility crews - it’s something we all play a role in. By staying informed, keeping your distance, and knowing how to respond in emergencies, you help protect yourself, your family and your community.
For more information, videos and safety resources, visit our Electrical Safety webpage or the Electrical Safety Authority website.
Stay back. Stay aware. Stay safe.