NL Power Outages: Don’t Be Left in the Dark
In Newfoundland and Labrador, power outages aren't a matter of if, but when. Whether from blizzards rolling off the Atlantic or unplanned infrastructure damage, losing power is just a part of life here. But that doesn't mean you have to be caught off guard.
From knowing how to check for an outage in your area, explaining common causes of power outages, and insider tips you need to stay safe, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to power through the next blackout like a true Newfoundlander.
How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in NL?
If you’re in Newfoundland:
Sign up for Outage Alerts. Sign up for text messages from Newfoundland Power when there’s an outage in your neighbourhood. With many causes for outages, getting alerts directly to your phone is helpful.
Visit Newfoundland Power’s website and view their Outage Centre Map. You can select areas and see how many customers are affected by an outage and its cause. Often, an estimated restoration time is available.
Call 1-800-474-5711 to check for or report an outage.
If you’re in Labrador:
Visit NLhydro.com and check their outage map, or visit their page on X @NLHydro for live updates.
Call 1-888-737-1296 to report or ask about an outage if NL Hydro is your provider.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in NL?
Severe Storms
Newfoundland is no stranger to severe storms, especially being on the coast. From November to March, nor'easters rage with heavy snow or rain, hurricane-force wind, and storm surges. Intense thunderstorms can lead to lightning strikes on tall power equipment, resulting in an outage. Heavy snow and blizzards cause snow and ice to build up on lines and trees, leading to snapped power lines or tree branches breaking and collapsing onto lines. High winds can bring down lines or throw debris like tree branches into equipment, damaging key components. Any part of severe storms can bring extended power outages, depending on the severity of equipment damage.
Equipment Failure
Severe weather is a common cause of equipment failures, but there are other reasons why systems may fail unexpectedly. Overloading occurs when more current than the system is rated for is drawn. This causes overheating and equipment burnout. Car accidents involving power poles, transformer stations, or outdoor panels can damage equipment, leading to neighbourhood blackouts. Also, small animals like birds or rodents can get into the equipment and chew through wires or bridge contacts, leading to short circuits.
Planned Outages
Electrical equipment degrades over time. Weather, animals, and age can cause wear and tear on transformers, lines, and control systems. Preventative maintenance is often performed to repair these components before they fail. Newfoundland Power will replace ageing equipment or upgrade specific systems, which requires the power to be turned off. Other times, the electrical supplier may perform safety inspections or conduct outage drills to test backup systems. Customers are notified of planned power outages, giving them ample time to prepare for the inconvenience.
But these outages don't have to disrupt your day with an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. This power station has plenty of battery capacity to run everyday appliances. With wheels and a comfortable handle, it’s easy to move the battery around your home to where it’s needed. For example, move it from the kitchen to the laundry room after preparing dinner to wash clothes.
Rotating Power Outages
Rotating power outages, also called rolling blackouts, aren’t common in Newfoundland but have occurred before. They’re planned temporary electricity shutoffs to different grid parts, one area at a time, rotating between sectors. Rotating power outages occur when overloading is an issue. By briefly cutting electricity to one location, Newfoundland Power can manage electrical strain during emergencies, preventing a total blackout. The power outage rotates, so no single area is shut off for too long, but the grid is protected.
How To Stay Safe During an NL Power Outage
Plan for Ways to Stay Warm
During winter outages, NL’s extreme cold can make it difficult to stay warm. A wood stove or indoor propane heater are great options for heat. With an EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station integrated into your home, electrical heaters are convenient to plug in. The Delta Pro Ultra offers 7.2-21.6kW output and 6kWh-90kWh capacity, which is more than enough electricity to keep your home warm and appliances running. It’s the best portable station for winter outages in NL. Avoid using outdoor equipment like grills or gas generators indoors as they release carbon monoxide.
Check VCOM and NL Hydro on Your Battery-Powered Radio
Cellular networks can be overwhelmed during extended outages, limiting available service and interrupting internet access. Keep up with outages through a radio. Hand crank or battery-powered radios will still work while the power is out. Tune into VOCM or CBC Newfoundland. These stations will provide information on shelters and restoration times.
Unplug Electronics to Protect Them from Power Surges
When the power comes back on after an outage, power surges can cause permanent damage to your electronics. Unplug your appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive equipment. After electricity is restored, wait a few minutes before plugging things back in to ensure the voltage is stable. If you want to keep appliances running or plugged in during an outage, especially security equipment or medical devices, use an When the power comes back on after an outage, power surges can cause permanent damage to your electronics. Unplug your appliances, TVs, computers, and other sensitive equipment. After electricity is restored, wait a few minutes before plugging things back in to ensure the voltage is stable. If you want to keep appliances running or plugged in during an outage, especially security equipment or medical devices, use an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W). This generator runs on sunlight and holds the charge in the battery until needed, making it safe indoors as it doesn’t release harmful gases from burning petrol. Use this solar generator every day for a cheaper electricity bill.. This generator runs on sunlight and holds the charge in the battery until needed, making it safe indoors as it doesn’t release harmful gases from burning petrol. Use this solar generator every day for a cheaper electricity bill
Put Food Outside, But Watch For Wildlife
Fridges and freezers are designed to stay cold for a few hours after they lose power. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours (or 24 hours if only half full). If your freezer isn't full, fill the empty space with water bottles now to help it maintain its temperature. Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to keep your food cold. If it’s winter, try using a snowbank as a makeshift cooler for perishable items. Just make sure wild animals can’t get into the food. Fridges and freezers are designed to stay cold for a few hours after they lose power. A full freezer will maintain its temperature for 48 hours (or 24 hours if only half full). If your freezer isn't full, fill the empty space with water bottles now to help it maintain its temperature. Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed to keep your food cold. If it’s winter, try using a snowbank as a makeshift cooler for perishable items. Just make sure wild animals can’t get into the food.
Prep an Emergency Kit Now
Take time before an outage to evaluate what emergency supplies your home needs. Include flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered or crank radio, and blankets. Gather extra thermal layers into a specific area so you don't have to scramble for them later. Pack away extra medication, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Include a lighter or matches if you plan to use a wood stove. A first aid kit and extra fuel can be useful, especially in rural areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Report a Power Outage in NL?
To report a power outage, contact Newfoundland Power directly. Call 1-800-474-5711 to reach their 24/7 outage reporting line. You can also report online at newfoundlandpower.com. Check if your neighbours have power and include that in your report. It helps crews identify the scope and cause of the outage.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in NL can strike fast, whether from winter storms, nosy animals, or scheduled maintenance. Knowing how to track outages and understanding common causes gives you a leg up in preparedness for when one happens. Prepare ahead of time with an emergency kit, a battery-powered radio, and a plan for staying warm.
For reliable backup during extended blackouts, EcoFlow Portable Power Stations are a game changer. They deliver long-lasting, quiet power perfect for running heaters, fridges, and critical devices during NL’s harshest outages.