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When do I call to report a power outage?

Outage calls assist Westario Power’s Operations Team to pinpoint the location of the outage(s) so we can deploy crews to begin restoration efforts. Typically, crews are unable to determine the duration of an outage until they have investigated the cause of the outage and the mitigating efforts required to restore power. ‘Loss of Supply’ indicates Westario Power’s distribution system has lost the supply of power from the transmission network (large towers/lines from generating stations) – restoration efforts from ‘Loss of Supply’ is dependent on the transmission network operational teams.

To report an outage or an electrical emergency (i.e., downed hydro wires), please call 1-866-978-2746 – 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

NOTE: Outage calls received outside of regular business hours (Monday to Friday; 8:30am – 4:00pm), will be routed to our After-Hours Call Centre.

Why am I receiving a busy signal when attempting to report an outage?

Customers calling to report an outage could receive a busy signal or must wait on hold to speak with a customer service representative. The number of telephone calls that Westario Power’s regular telephone numbers can accept at any one time is restricted by the number of “trunk lines” entering our facility.  When the maximum number of trunk lines coming into our Administration office is reached, callers may receive a busy signal.

We thank you for your patience. If you do not wish to hold for the next available customer service representative, please leave a voice mail message on our general voice mail box, or e-mail your inquiry to: [email protected].

NOTE: When reporting an outage outside of regular business hours (Monday to Friday; 8:30am – 4:00pm), you may be prompted to call back later. If this occurs, the outage has been dispatched to our Operations Team for investigation.

Telephones

If you have a telephone system at home or at work that requires electricity to work (such as a cordless phone or answering machine), plan for alternate communication, including having a landline telephone, cellular telephone, radio, or pager.

What To Do During a Power Interruption

  • To prevent fires starting when electricity is restored, turn OFF or disconnect stove elements, ovens, kettles, frying pans, clothes irons, hair dryers, toasters, blenders, mixers etc.), and equipment (like air conditioners) or electronics you were using when the power went out.
  • Leave the doors of your refrigerator and freezer closed as much as possible to keep your food as fresh as possible. If you must eat food that was refrigerated or frozen, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
  • Have at least one telephone (not cordless) that works during a power interruption.
  • If it is hot outside, take steps to remain cool. Move to the lowest level of your home, as cool air falls. Wear lightweight, light coloured clothing. Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • If the heat is intense and the power may be off for a long time, consider going to a movie theatre, shopping mall, or “cooling shelter” that may be opened in your community.
  • Remember to provide plenty of fresh, cool water for your pets.
  • If it is cold outside, put on layers of warm clothing.
  • Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
  • Never use your gas oven as a source of heat.
  • If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (relative, friend, or public facility) that has heat to keep warm.

Loss of Heat

When a building’s heating system is inoperative it may cause freezing of the following:

  • water supplies
  • sanitary systems
  • fire sprinklers
  • standpipe hose systems
  • portable fire extinguishers

Heating and Cooking/Carbon Monoxide

  • Carbon monoxide is produced by any device fueled by natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood.
  • Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas that can be deadly.
  • Devices that burn fuel require oxygen to burn properly and ventilation to remove the deadly products of combustion.

Generators

  • Do not run a generator inside a home or garage.
  • If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
  • Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical panel or outlet.