Like any other complex infrastructure, electricity systems also require regular maintenance to remain safe, stable, and efficient. In Canada, where power infrastructure stretches across thousands of kilometres and serves both densely populated cities and rural communities, grid maintenance is a herculean task. However, grid maintenance activities result in planned energy outages, which means you might experience temporary disruptions in your electricity supply. This article guides you to fully understand planned energy outages. Read on!
What Is a Planned Energy Outage?
As the name suggests, a planned energy outage is a scheduled pause in electricity service initiated by a utility provider. These outages are usually communicated to the public in advance and follow a controlled timeline. The goal of these outages is to carry out essential work while minimizing disruption to residents, businesses, and public services.
What separates a planned outage from an unplanned one is the element of preparation. Unplanned energy outages occur without warning. They result from weather-related damage, equipment failure, or accidents, which catch common citizens off guard.
During a scheduled outage, technicians work on the grid under safe conditions because they know that the power lines are intentionally shut down. This allows them to perform tasks such as replacing transformers, inspecting high-voltage lines, or connecting new infrastructure. Utilities also use this time to test system reliability, install modern equipment, and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Why Do Planned Outages Happen?
Planned energy outages help protect and future-proof the power system. Here are some common reasons for these outages:
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Infrastructure Maintenance
Over time, power lines degrade, transformers lose efficiency, and substations require inspection or replacement. Even the most reliable circuit components have a finite lifespan. Without regular maintenance, small issues may develop into system-wide failures, which can eventually trigger a long, unplanned energy outage.
Planned outages give utility crews the window they need to safely access and service high-voltage equipment. In many cases, these outages involve replacing outdated components, tightening connections, or clearing vegetation that threatens overhead lines.
Across Canada, ageing electrical infrastructure remains a major concern. A large number of transmission systems in use today were installed decades ago and were never designed to carry current load levels. Planned power outages are needed for such electricity infrastructure.
There are hundreds, if not thousands, of planned power outages in Canada every year.
In March 2025, BC Hydro scheduled a series of planned outages in Prince George’s and surrounding areas to facilitate maintenance and pole replacements. One planned outage occurred overnight from March 30 to March 31, affecting approximately 12,955 homes. Another outage during the same period impacted around 2,265 homes[1].
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System Upgrades
As the country shifts toward more advanced electricity infrastructure and renewable energy, the power grid must evolve. For example, wind farms and solar fields cannot simply be plugged into existing systems. They require integration through advanced control equipment, upgraded substations, and smart grid infrastructure that balances supply and demand in real time.
While these upgrades may seem minor on paper, they require proper planning and involve shutting down portions of the grid to install new hardware or reconfigure existing networks.
Many utilities also modernize metering systems and automate fault detection during planned energy outages, which improves long-term response time and service reliability for customers.
.Extreme Weather Preparedness
Severe weather is a growing threat to energy infrastructure. Ice storms, wind events, and wildfires have become more frequent and more damaging in many parts of Canada.
The primary reason for doing planned energy outages during extreme weather is risk mitigation. When high winds, ice storms, or dry lightning are expected, the chances of power lines being damaged or sparking a fire rise significantly. In areas where vegetation is dense and the landscape is dry, even a small electrical arc can trigger a wildfire.
Safety for repair crews is also at risk if the power lines remain energized during extreme weather events. If a storm is likely to bring down power lines, de-energizing sections of the grid ahead of time reduces the danger of live wires falling into streets, fields, or residential areas. Once the storm passes, crews can begin repairs knowing the system was shut down in a controlled manner, which speeds up restoration and limits hazards on the ground.
How Long Do Planned Outages Typically Last?
The duration of a planned energy outage depends on the scope of the maintenance work being carried out. Some outages are short and barely noticeable, while others stretch across even days.
1.Short-Term Outages: 1–4 hours for minor repairs or testing
These energy outages are typically scheduled to handle routine maintenance, equipment testing, or minor repairs that don’t require major dismantling of infrastructure. Tasks may include sensor replacements, system diagnostics, or pole work that only affects a small portion of the network.
Utilities often schedule these shorter outages during early morning hours or mid-day lulls when energy use is relatively low. In residential areas, providers usually aim to keep interruptions under three hours whenever possible.
1.Extended Outages: 6–12 hours (or longer) for major upgrades or infrastructure replacement
Longer planned energy outages are also common in Canada. Some of the most common things done during these energy outages include replacing a power transformer, rebuilding substation components, or integrating new infrastructure such as underground cables or smart grid equipment.
Such work demands more time, coordination, and safety protocols. It’s not unusual for utilities to announce full-day outages weeks in advance, especially in areas where backup lines or redundancy options are limited.
In some rural or remote areas, where logistics are more complex, outages can stretch beyond 12 hours.
Where to Find Information About Planned Outages?
Access to timely and accurate information helps households and businesses prepare in advance so that they can avoid unnecessary inconvenience. Here are the most common and reliable sources for updates across Canada.
1.Utility Company Resources
Your first point of contact should always be your utility provider. Most major energy companies maintain dedicated sections on their websites to track upcoming planned outages and real-time service disruptions.
For example, Hydro-Québec offers a detailed outage map that shows affected regions, restoration times, and the nature of the interruption.
In Alberta, Enmax provides service alerts through its customer portal and text notification system.
Toronto Hydro operates an outage tracker that is available through its mobile app, making it easy to check status updates from a smartphone.
These platforms are typically updated in real-time, and they often include estimated restoration windows, safety tips, and reasons for the outage.
1.Government Channels
During large-scale maintenance operations or region-wide shutdowns, provincial authorities also share alerts.
For instance, Canada’s national public warning system, Alert Ready, has been used in many cases to broadcast messages about major planned or emergency outages.
1.Local News and Radio
For many Canadians, especially those living in remote or northern communities, local news outlets remain a trusted source of information. Regional newspapers and radio stations often relay notices from utility companies so that everyone, even those without internet access, can get to know about the planned outages.
1.Social Media
Most utilities across Canada now use platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to provide real-time communication. These channels are used to post outage announcements, estimated restoration times, and follow-up updates after the work is completed. They also allow residents to ask questions and report issues directly. So, keep in touch with the utility companies’ social media outlets to learn about the energy outage in your location.
1.Community Boards
In smaller municipalities, Indigenous communities, or rural areas, digital alerts may not always be the most reliable method of communication. Here, town hall meetings, bulletin boards, and printed flyers continue to play an important role.
Utility companies often work with local councils to distribute outage information through community centres, general stores, or mailers. These traditional channels remain highly effective where digital connectivity is weak.
How to Prepare for an Energy Outage?
When a power outage is scheduled, the key to maintaining a comfortable living is to prepare thoroughly. Your best bet to survive the energy outages is a portable solar power generator that will help you maintain your lifestyle and take care of all your electricity needs when the grid goes down.
These battery backups will be useful in a wide variety of electrical gadgets like refrigerators that can keep your perishable food items safe and secure.
For households that rely on medical equipment such as CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, or mobility aids that require charging, having backup power is even more critical.
Similarly, power backup is also required for fish tanks, electric wire coolers, electric stoves, fans, and lights in order to maintain a reasonable lifestyle even during the planned energy outage. Not to mention that backup power also helps you recharge your mobile phone for emergencies or laptops for work.
Why You Should Choose Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2
Jackery brings a highly reliable house battery backup solution, the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2, for Canadians looking to avoid the discomfort that comes with energy outages.
1.Large Capacity
This solar generator offers you a large capacity of 2042Wh and can easily provide a power output of 2200W. It’s capable of running a refrigerator for over 3 hours, powering a microwave for 90 minutes, or charging your phone dozens of times.
1.Portable
At just under 18kg, the inbox Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 Portable Power Station is one of the lightest home backup units in its category. The compact build, combined with a foldable handle, makes it easy to store and move.
1.Diverse Charging Methods
This generator for house can be recharged in four different ways: a standard wall outlet (1.75 hours), solar panels (around 7.5 hours with four Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panels), a car outlet (24 hours), or a rapid emergency charge in just 1.7 hours.
1.Safe
If you rely on sensitive electronics like desktop computers, servers, or aquarium filtration systems, the unit’s built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality is a major advantage. It switches power sources in under 20 milliseconds, protecting your devices from sudden voltage drops or power loss.
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 also integrates with a smart app, giving you real-time control over power levels, port usage, and charging status.
This portable power bank with AC outlet can even help you power high-end appliances like an air conditioner or an electric heater if need be.
Conclusion
Planned energy outages may be scheduled, but their impact is still disruptive. Understanding why they happen, how long they last, and where to find accurate information helps households stay ahead. Preparation plays a key role in making these interruptions manageable. Having a power backup like the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 v2 during these outages is the ultimate way to enjoy all the comforts without running out of power. Visit Jackery’s website to learn more about its solar generators and portable power stations.