Frequently Asked Questions
What is Canada Power Outage?
Canada Power Outage is an independent, community-driven power outage tracker for Canada. People report outages and restorations for their postal code, and everyone can see live status, recent reports and outage history, plus their utility's outage number and local emergency numbers.
How do I check if there is a power outage in my area?
Type your postal code (for example M5V 3L9) or city in the search box, or tap the location button. The postal code page shows the current status, a confidence score, every report from the last 24 hours and your electric utility's outage line and map.
How do I report a power outage?
First check your breaker panel. Then report the outage to your electric utility (the number is on your postal code page and your bill) – utilities restore power based on customer reports. Also tap “Power is out” on your postal code page so neighbours know, and “Power is back” when it returns.
Who do I call for a downed power line?
Call 911 and then your electric utility. Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away and assume every downed line is live – never touch it or anything it is touching, including water or a car.
Do I need to sign up or share personal details?
No. Reporting is anonymous. We do not ask for your name, phone number or street address. See the Privacy Policy for details.
How accurate is the status?
The status reflects what people have reported recently. Reports from more people on different networks, and more recent reports, give a higher confidence score. Reports can be incomplete or wrong, so treat them as signals, not official utility data.
What does “Resolved automatically” mean?
If nobody reports “Power is back” and there are no new outage reports for 24 hours, the outage is closed automatically. A new outage report reopens it straight away.
Does “No recent reports” mean the power is on?
No. It only means no one has reported recently. Coverage depends on people in your area using the service.
Is this an official utility or government service?
No. Canada Power Outage is not affiliated with any electric utility or government agency. For outage reports, restoration times and safety issues, contact your utility directly.
How do I find my electric company?
Open your postal code page: it lists the electric utilities that most likely serve that area, with their outage numbers. Service territories can change street by street and some areas have more than one company, so check the name on your electricity bill.
I live in Ontario or Alberta – who do I call during an outage?
In provinces with electricity retailers, such as Ontario and Alberta, outages are handled by the local distribution company (for example Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Alectra, ENMAX, EPCOR or FortisAlberta), not by the company that sends your bill. Call the distributor listed on your postal code page.
What emergency numbers should I know during an outage?
911 for life-threatening emergencies, downed lines, fires and carbon monoxide; 211 (where available) for shelters, cooling and warming centres and community help; 9-8-8 for mental health crises (call or text); the Poison Centre at 1-844-764-7669. See the Emergency numbers page for your province or territory's agencies.
Is it safe to use a generator?
Only outdoors, at least 6 metres (20 feet) from doors, windows and vents, and never in a garage, even with the door open. Install battery-powered carbon monoxide alarms. Never plug a generator into a wall outlet (backfeeding) – it can kill utility workers.
Are the calculators accurate?
They give estimates based on average residential rates. Your actual bill depends on your utility's rate plan, time-of-use pricing, fixed charges, riders and taxes (GST/HST/QST).
Why can I not report again immediately?
To keep the data clean, each device can report the same postal code area once every few minutes.
How do I contact you?
Use the contact form (link in the footer) for questions, bug reports, corrections to a phone number, or partnership enquiries.
Questions & comments
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