EPCOR Power Outage: How EcoFlow Can Power Through It
Power outages are a fact of life in EPCOR service areas from Edmonton to Ontario. Being left in the dark can quickly become more than an inconvenience, whether due to extreme weather, peak demand, or unexpected equipment failure. Knowing how to check outage status, prepare your home, and keep critical devices running is essential. This guide walks you through handling EPCOR outages and how portable power solutions can help you stay safe, warm (or cool), and connected until your electricity is restored.
How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in EPCOR?
EPCOR Ontario
EPCOR provides electricity to three major communities in Simcoe County (Collingwood, Stayner, and Creemore) and parts of the Blue Mountains (formerly Thornbury). To check the status of outages in those areas, visit the EPCOR Collingwood & Area website and click on the outage icons for more information. You can also text 1-888-726-1142 to get updates and the estimated time of restoration sent directly to your phone.
EPCOR Edmonton, Alberta
For electrical outages in Edmonton, Alberta, check the EPCOR Edmonton Outage Map and click on the individual icons for more information, including an ETA for when the power is expected to return. You can also sign up for email or text alerts on the EPCOR website.
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What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in EPCOR?
Here are the most common causes of outages in EPCOR-serviced areas of Canada.
Severe Weather
Severe weather is the leading cause of electrical outages in Canada. Strong winds, tornadoes, lightning, freezing rain, ice on the lines, and snow can damage infrastructure. Trees or branches falling on lines often cause outages, but the weather is sometimes directly to blame.
Peak Demand
Demand for electricity often increases during extreme cold in winter or extreme heat in the summer. During those times, we place extra demand on the grid when we run electric heaters and air conditioners, and the additional demand on the grid can cause outages. Even if a blackout doesn’t occur during peak demand, you will face much higher electricity bills due to electricity demand charges, where everyone pays a higher rate because more people are demanding electricity.
These are good times to use backup battery power to save money, keeping the strain on the grid lower and those demand charges on your bill down. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station offers 4000W output and runs 120V and 240V appliances. That will easily run an electric heater and all but the most energy-hungry central air conditioners. Using it during extreme cold and heat will reduce strain on the grid while saving money.
Equipment Failure
Sometimes, equipment also fails, often with older equipment needing maintenance or upgrades. Cables, connectors, transformers, and switches can all fail, and the power will go out while crews work to repair them and get the lights back on.
Human Error
Human error also causes a number of outages every year. Traffic accidents, homeowners or construction crews working too close to the lines or digging without knowing where underground cables are buried can all damage equipment and cause blackouts.
Wildlife
Occasionally, animals like squirrels, birds, and raccoons can interfere with the lines or other infrastructure, causing outages.
Scheduled Outages
Finally, sometimes, EPCOR schedules repairs and turns off the electricity to keep work crews safe while performing maintenance and repairs. Fortunately, consumers are generally notified of these planned outages, so if your contact information with EPCOR is kept up-to-date, you will know how long the outages will last.
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How To Stay Safe During an EPCOR Power Outage
Use a Portable Power Station
Traditional generators use fossil fuels and can never be used indoors due to carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills 300 people every year in Canada. Even placing them outdoors next to your door, window, vents, or near those of your neighbours presents real danger. This is why portable power stations are superior for safe emergency backup energy.
For instance, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station starts at an impressive 7.2kW output, plenty to run all your essential appliances, including 120V and 240V. If you’re unsure how much backup energy you need, calculate your kWh usage from your electrical bills or add up the running watts of all your essential appliances.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Outages often occur during severe weather events, so it’s a good idea to prepare an emergency kit to help keep your family safe. Your kit should contain the following items:
4 litres of water per day per person for 3 days
Non-perishable food to last 3 days
Food and water for your pets
Complete first aid kit
Any necessary prescription drugs
Soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer
Emergency whistle
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Can opener, eating utensils
Multi-tool and duct tape
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Fire extinguisher
A portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator keeps your lights on and essential appliances running
Warm clothes and blankets for every family member for winter blackouts
Heating/Cooling
Wear multiple layers of clothing during the winter, use blankets, and use a wood-burning stove if you have one. Stay close to each other to stay warm.
During the summer heat, stay in the basement or the coolest room in your home and use a fan you can run with your portable power station. Also, be sure to keep hydrated.
Whether dealing with winter cold or summer heat, you can use the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) with 4000W output, which will run an electric heater and most air conditioners. It also comes with a solar panel to recharge it during the day and stay safe even during extended blackouts. If you rely on a power station to stay warm or cool, keep your entire family in one room where you can close the door. This will make it easier to heat or cool the room and keep your family comfortable while waiting for the electricity to return.
Use LED Flashlights Instead of Candles
Gone are the days when candles were the go-to for blackouts. Candles, especially during emergencies when the lights are out, present a real fire hazard. Opt for rechargeable LED flashlights and lanterns instead. During extended outages, you can always recharge them with one of the EcoFlow Portable Power Stations.
Stay Home
During outages, especially those caused by severe weather, it’s always best to stay home unless you have a medical emergency. There may be road hazards, accidents, or other dangers, and you should keep the roads clear for emergency responders.
Avoid Downed Lines
When you go outside, never go near a fallen electrical line or anything that might be touching it. Stay at least ten metres (33 feet) away at all times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Report a Power Outage in EPCOR?
First, check the outage map on the EPCOR website to see if it has already been reported. If it has, there should be an estimated time it will return. If your outage isn't listed, call the EPCOR emergency line at 780-412-4500.
Final Thoughts
Power outages across EPCOR regions can happen anytime, often with little warning. Whether it’s storms, accidents, or scheduled maintenance, knowing how to check outage status and prepare your household is key. Keep a stocked emergency kit, avoid candles, and stay indoors during extreme weather. Most importantly, ensure you have a reliable backup energy source that won’t risk carbon monoxide poisoning. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generators provide safe, silent, indoor-friendly energy to run your essentials from lights and fridges to heaters and A/C. With solar recharging capabilities, you’ll be ready for short blackouts or extended outages, no matter the season.