As winter’s chill sets in, so does the risk of winter storms. From how icy conditions complicate restoration efforts to the essential steps to take before, during, and after an outage, we’re here to keep you safe, informed and powered through the season.
Why winter weather complicates restoration
Winter weather brings unique challenges that require our crews to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone involved – our customers, the public, and themselves.
Heavy snow and freezing rain can accumulate on power lines, other electrical equipment, and tree branches, adding significant weight and increasing the strain on these structures This can cause wires and equipment to break or branches to fall onto the lines, leading to outages and creating additional hazards. When this type of storm-related damage occurs, crews must patrol the area to pinpoint its location. In some areas of Ottawa, where power lines stretch for kilometres through wooded areas, heavy snow and difficult terrain can further complicate the process.
The safety of our crews is paramount. Our dedicated teams have to work carefully in extreme conditions - including freezing temperatures and strong winds - to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. They navigate treacherous roads with poor visibility, slippery conditions, and sometimes non-functioning traffic lights. These conditions require them to proceed with extra caution and can affect travel times to affected areas. We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as our crews work diligently to restore power while prioritizing safety.
For your safety, if you spot a downed power line or come across a fallen tree/branch on a wire, never attempt to approach or move them yourself. Stay back - at least 10 metres away - and call 911 immediately, followed by Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400.
Why planned outages are essential even in winter
We understand that planned outages can be especially inconvenient during the winter months, particularly with the cold temperatures. So why do we do them?
Well, grid maintenance is a year-round commitment. And while no one wants to experience a power interruption, we sometimes need to conduct short planned outages in winter to safely perform necessary maintenance or repairs. Scheduling outages in advance allows us to address potential safety hazards before they escalate, reducing the likelihood of larger disruptions during harsher weather. For example, if we need to de-energize an area to safely complete tree trimming activities to clear sagging branches from lines, it is preferable to conduct this work during the day when temperatures are higher, rather than overnight during a cold spell. These planned outages are scheduled for a predetermined amount of time, often just a few hours. In contrast, if we don't perform required maintenance in advance and an emergency outage is needed, it can cause longer disruptions.
At Hydro Ottawa, planned power outages are always carefully reviewed and scheduled to ensure that any impact is minimal and enables the work to be completed as quickly and as safely as possible, and with our customers’ best interests in mind. All impacted customers are contacted by phone, text or email - depending on the communication preferences indicated on your MyAccount profile - so make sure your contact information is up to date. You can also stay informed on upcoming maintenance by signing up for Outage alerts or by visiting our Scheduled power interruptions webpage. This way, you’ll have the information you need to plan around any service interruptions.
To learn more about the type of work that may require a planned winter outage, read our blog “An in-depth look at Hydro Ottawa’s grid maintenance.”
What to do before, during and after a winter outage
We've compiled essential steps to take before, during, and after a winter storm. By being prepared and knowing how to respond, you can protect your home and family and help ensure a quicker recovery.
Before a winter storm: Depending on where you happen to live or work, you may have different challenges or needs. We have compiled checklists and resources for our customers who live in rural, urban and high rise communities, as well as for businesses.
During a winter outage: Report an outage on our website, through our mobile app, via SMS/text by texting “OUT” to PWROUT (797688), or by calling our 24/7 outage line at 613-738-0188. Keep fridge and freezer doors closed, use outdoor stoves and generators safely, and take precautions to protect your water system if the outage is extended.
Stay in your home as long as it’s safe, warm, and you have food and water. If needed, visit a City of Ottawa Emergency Warming Centre for warmth, comfort, and food. Locations will be shared on local radio, TV, the City of Ottawa’s Emergency Preparedness webpage, 3-1-1 hotline, and our channels.
After a winter outage: Check for damage to your home's electrical equipment and contact a qualified contractor for repairs as winter weather can cause damage to your service mast and other secondary wires. Unplug appliances to avoid power surges, and carefully follow steps to restore water and power systems.
For a complete list of actions to take before, during, and after an outage, visit our full guide here.
How we keep you informed about weather-related outages
When storms are brewing, we do our best to alert our customers. At Hydro Ottawa, system operators in our Control Centre are on duty 24/7, monitoring the grid and weather patterns to stay ahead of potential outages.
If severe weather is on the horizon, we don’t wait for the first snowflake to fall. We’ll proactively share important updates through X and Facebook, or even direct email, so you’re always in the loop and can prepare for what’s coming.
Be sure to visit Hydro Ottawa’s Outage Centre to view our online outage map, sign up for Outage alerts to get SMS/text or email notifications, and follow us on social media.
