NB Power Outages: Keep Your Home Running Smoothly
Power outages in NB aren’t uncommon, especially with unpredictable weather. They can strike anytime from severe storms, equipment failures, and wildfires. Knowing what to do and how to prepare can make all the difference when the lights go out. While you can’t control when the lights will go out, you can control how prepared you are. This guide walks you through how to check for current blackouts, their most common causes in NB, and how to stay safe and comfortable during them.
How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in NB?
Check the outage map at nbpower.com. Navigate to the outages tab and click current outages. You can type in your phone number or account number to check your specific address.
Call NB Power at 1-800-663-6272 to report an outage or ask for information about an existing one.
Check social media. Follow NB Power on Twitter and Facebook. They post regular updates about major outages and restoration times.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in NB?
Severe Weather
In New Brunswick, severe weather is the leading cause of outages. Thunderstorms can bring lightning strikes that damage power poles and transformers. Freezing rain may accumulate on electrical components, adding extra weight that causes lines to snap and fall. High winds often knock down trees and tree branches, which can land on power lines or other infrastructure. During cold snaps, extremely low temperatures can lead to frost buildup on conductors, resulting in insulator failures.
Animals
Small animals like squirrels and birds can interfere with electrical equipment. They may come into contact with transformers or substations, causing short circuits or equipment damage, leading to outages. These outages can last a long while crews search for the damage and cause. Don’t let the outage disrupt your daily life with an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. This portable battery system is versatile, with a convenient pulling handle and wheels. Bring it whenever you need power: warming food in the kitchen, running the washing machine, or watching movies with the family.
Vehicle Accidents
While not as common as weather or animals, vehicle accidents involving power equipment can cause localized outages. The severity and duration of the outage will depend on the extent of damage and how quickly repair crews can safely access the site and complete the necessary work.
Equipment Failures
Electrical equipment goes through normal wear and tear over the years. Components like transformers, switches, circuit breakers, and underground cables can fail unexpectedly due to aging, corrosion, manufacturing defects, or excessive overload conditions. Equipment failures also tend to spike during periods of severe weather when the grid is under additional stress.
Planned Interruptions
Not all outages are caused by unexpected events. Utility companies schedule planned interruptions to allow for necessary maintenance and upgrades. This is usually a proactive effort to prevent unexpected equipment failures. A planned outage is controlled, with customers receiving advance notice. While inconvenient, a maintenance-required outage is typically only for a few hours and is scheduled during off-peak hours. Performing these upgrades ensures equipment is running efficiently, keeping electricity costs lower.
How To Stay Safe During a NB Power Outage
Turn Off Lights and Unplug Electronics
When the power goes out, it’s important to turn off all lights and unplug sensitive electronics like computers, televisions, and gaming systems. NB Power asks customers to leave only one or two lights on so crews know when power has been restored. Unplugging electronics protects them from power surges after restoration. It’s good to leave them unplugged for a few hours while the restored voltage stabilizes.
If you need to keep electronics running during an outage, consider using a portable power station. Since it operates independently of the power grid, it provides clean, reliable electricity without the risk of surges.
Backup Heating Safety
During colder months, losing power in NB can mean losing heat. Follow safety guidelines closely if you’re using a backup heating source like a wood stove, propane heater, or generator. Only indoor-approved propane heaters should be used indoors, and all petrol generators should be kept outside, at least 20 feet from the window and doors. Otherwise, you risk carbon monoxide poisoning.
However, a solar generator, like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W), is rated for indoor use. While it’s not a propane heater, it’s large enough for an electric heater to be plugged into it. After an outage, this solar generator can power all parts of your home, saving you money on the electric bill.
Prep a 72-Hour Kit Before
Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare an emergency kit. Take time before the storm or planned power outage to get all the supplies together without a rush. Your emergency kit should include enough water and non-perishable food for 72 hours. A good rule of thumb is 2 litres of water per person daily. Then, add flashlights and extra batteries to the kit. Keep relevant medications, a first-aid kit, and extra blankets stowed in the kit. A well-stocked emergency kit is one of the best ways to stay safe and comfortable during a power outage.
Stay Up-to-Date
Keeping informed during a power outage is just wise. If your phone still has power and data access, check NB Power’s website or social media accounts for outage maps and restoration updates. Add a battery-powered radio to your emergency kit. A battery-powered radio will keep you in the loop if your devices die or cell phone towers are overwhelmed. Tune into local radio stations for weather updates and information on the outage.
Keep Food and Water Safe
When the power goes out, keeping your food safe should be a top priority—not just to avoid throwing out groceries, but to protect yourself from getting sick. Try not to open your fridge or freezer unless absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator can keep food cool for roughly four hours, while a fully stocked freezer will stay cold for up to two days without power. You can add water bottles to your freezer ahead of time to fill empty space and help it retain its temperature longer. If the outage lasts longer than a few hours, check the temperature outside to see if food can be safely stored there.
If your home relies on an electric well pump for water, be aware that it will not function during an outage. This means no running water unless you’ve made other arrangements. For those who want to stay self-sufficient, integrate an EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station into your home. It’s a game changer for powering well pumps and many other household appliances. The Delta Pro Ultra has a massive 6kWh capacity that can be expanded to 90kWh capacity with multiple units in series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Report a Power Outage in NB?
You can report an outage by calling NB Power at 1-800-663-6272. If that doesn’t suit you, visit their outage map on the NB website. Enter your phone number or account number to report. You can also sign up for power outage alerts to go straight to your phone.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in New Brunswick can range from minor inconveniences to serious disruptions, especially when caused by severe weather. By knowing how to check an outage status, understanding common causes, and applying safety tips, you can start preparing for the net outage.
Start by prepping the basics, then move to alternative power sources like robust and reliable EcoFlow Portable Power Stations. With this whale home backup solution, you can stay comfortable and in control no matter the weather. Now’s the time to plan ahead so that when the next outage hits, you’re ready to go.