Power Outage Surrey: Stay Ahead of Blackouts with EcoFlow
What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in Surrey?
Power outages in Surrey can happen unexpectedly due to severe weather, strain on the grid during extreme heat or cold, accidents, or equipment failure. Whether it’s a short disruption or an extended blackout, staying informed and prepared is essential.
This guide covers checking outage statuses, common causes of blackouts, and key safety measures to keep your family safe, including investing in a backup portable power station to ensure you stay connected without risking carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn how to safeguard your home and family against unexpected electrical disruptions.
How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in Surrey?
You can check the status of outages on the BC Hydro Outage Map online. Zoom into the map using the + button on the map, Ctrl +, or Ctrl, and scroll with your mouse to find your outage. Then, click on the individual outage icon, which will zoom in further and give you details below on the area and number of customers affected, when it started, the cause, and how long it will last, with an ETA for its return.
If your outage isn't shown on the map, call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your cell phone. You can also log into your MyHydro account to report it online.
If your phone is dead or you need Wi-Fi to check the map, plug your router and device(s) into your EcoFlow Portable Power Stations to get reconnected.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in Surrey?
There are numerous causes of outages in Surrey. Here are the most common reasons why the lights go out.
Severe Weather
The most common reason is severe weather, such as strong winds, heavy rain, and lightning, which can damage power lines, poles, and equipment. Most often, it’s caused by strong winds or lightning knocking trees or branches onto the lines. Sometimes, lightning, extreme cold, or ice buildup can damage lines or other electrical infrastructure.
A backup energy supply is essential since severe weather events are relatively common in BC. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV160W) is a good choice for keeping your refrigerator and other essential appliances running. It also comes with a solar panel to recharge it when the sun shines.
Vegetation and Wildlife
While most tree damage occurs during storms, sometimes branches or trees that are not maintained get too big and interfere with the lines or fall on them. Animals like squirrels and birds also may interfere with electrical equipment, causing outages.
Strained Electrical Grid
Heat waves and cold snaps can strain the electrical grid and result in blackouts caused by a peak in demand when too many people continuously run electric heaters or air conditioners. Even if the grid doesn’t fail, using higher amounts of power will lead to higher electricity demand charges on your next bill.
To help reduce strain on the grid and keep those demand charges low, use an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station. It has 4000W of output and will run both 120V and 240V appliances, plenty enough to run electric heaters and most air conditioners. Using this during extreme weather will keep your bills lower.
Accidents
Another cause of outages is accidents, such as when a car hits a power pole or when construction crews accidentally take down an overhead line. It can also happen when construction crews dig without knowing where underground lines are buried, damaging them and causing blackouts.
Equipment Failure
Malfunctioning transformers or other equipment can cause localized and widespread outages. Parts of Surrey’s grid infrastructure were built in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, making them more prone to failures and outages.
Planned Outages
Finally, sometimes outages are planned to maintain or upgrade the electrical grid. They’re also scheduled for safety reasons to protect workers or the public while work is being done on or near them. Fortunately, BC Hydro notifies its customers of planned outages, allowing them to prepare.
How To Stay Safe During a Surrey Power Outage
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Every home should have an emergency kit to keep your family safe when the lights go out. Keep the contents in a waterproof bin so you can grab it and go if you ever need to evacuate. Your kit should include the following items:
Rechargeable LED flashlights
Complete first aid kit
4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day for 3 days
Non-perishable food for each person to last 3 days
Can opener, utensils
Food and water for your pets for 3 days
Prescription drugs, if necessary
Blankets and warm clothing for all family members
Hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper
Fire extinguisher
Multi-tool and duct tape
Lighter or matches in a waterproof container
Purchase a Safe Backup Power Supply
Having a backup power supply is essential for all British Columbians, for when the inevitable happens, so you can keep your family safe. Do not use a traditional generator indoors during electrical outages; never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home. This too frequently results in lethal carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills about 300 people every year in Canada and hospitalizes another 200. If you already have one, you must run it outdoors and away from all doors and windows, including your neighbours.
The best emergency energy supply is a portable power station like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station, which starts at 7.2kW of output. With expandable batteries, it can provide up to 90kWh, keeping even a large, power-hungry home powered up during an extended blackout. It will run your lights, refrigerator to prevent food spoilage, a heater or air conditioner, medical equipment, and anything else you need it for. If you’re unsure of what capacity you need, calculate your kWh usage. You can look at your monthly bill to find out how much your whole home uses or add up the running watts of your most essential appliances.
Another good option is to use a solar generator, which is especially useful during extended outages. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) has a power station with 4000W output, perfect for running essential appliances. Then recharge it during the day with its 400W solar panel so you can stay powered up indefinitely.
Avoid Using Candles
While we always used to reach for candles when the lights went out, they pose a serious fire hazard. Instead, keep rechargeable LED flashlights and lanterns on hand. Check them once in a while to ensure they’re charged.
Stay Away From Downed Lines
Downed lines are common during outages and may or may not be live. Always stay at least 10 metres away from them and anything they are touching to avoid electrocution.
Stay Home
Finally, you should always stay home during a blackout unless a family member needs emergency medical attention. Trees often fall on roads, creating hazards and traffic jams, and you should keep the streets clear for emergency responders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Report a Power Outage in Surrey?
If you experience an outage, you can call 1-800-BCHYDRO or *HYDRO on your mobile phone. If you don’t have an account number, wait in line, and someone will assist you. You can also log into your MyHydro account to report it.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in Surrey are inevitable due to the increased incidence of severe weather and our aging grid infrastructure, but with proper preparation, you can minimize their impact. Stay informed through BC Hydro’s outage maps, equip your home with an emergency kit, and invest in a safe backup energy source. Whether a short blackout or a prolonged disruption, the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) can keep your home running safely and smoothly. Stay prepared, stay safe, and keep the power on, no matter what.