• Skip to content
  • Skip to the footer's menu
  • All sites
  • News
  • Contact us
  • Power outages
  • Français
  • Log in
Hydro-Quebec
  • Power outages
Search
  • Menu
  • Log in
  • Home
  • Ongoing outages
  • Planned service interruptions
  • Status by region
  • In case of an outage
    • Before an outage
    • During an outage
    • After an outage
  • Understanding and preventing
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Trees and power lines
    • Weather and the grid
Power outages Be prepared for power outage

During an outage

Keep track of the service interruptions on the Web, through your mobile device, tablet or laptop. If the outage seems widespread, listen to your battery-powered radio. That’s why it’s so important to have a battery-powered radio in your emergency kit.

Be careful

  • Call 1 800 790-2424 to report the outage immediately so that we can act as soon as possible.
  • If it has already been reported, our system will tell you what we know about the situation.

Help us determine the scope of the outage

Check whether the power outage affects just your home or business; see whether your neighbours still have power. Check your distribution panel (circuit breaker or fuse panel), too.

Identify your situation to determine the scope of the outage

Unplug devices

To avoid short circuits or other damage when service is restored, unplug computers, TVs, DVD players, cell phone chargers and any other electronic devices that may generate heat.

Getting organized safely

If you’re planning to use fuel-burning heaters, lights, generators or portable stoves designed for outdoor use, you should know that they can cause asphyxiation or poisoning if used inside, because they have no exhaust system to evacuate carbon monoxide.

We recommend that you do not use this equipment indoors.

Be careful with generators!

According to Champter V - Electricity of the Québec Construction Code, generators must be installed by a master electrician (CMEQ membership directory - In French only) to avoid electrocution, a short circuit or fire.

If you have to leave the house

Anytime

  • Shut off the water at the main valve.
  • Unplug all electrical devices and appliances—particularly electronics—except for the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Ensure that all fires are out and the kitchen range is off.

Additional precautions during winter

  • Turn off the circuit breaker for the water heater.
  • Empty the water pipes by opening all hot and cold water faucets, including those for the dishwasher and washing machine.
  • Pour anti-freeze into
    • all toilet bowls and tanks
    • the drain lines of the dishwasher and washing machine
    • bath and shower drains and
    • the S-shaped drain traps of all sinks.
  • Remove all containers that could burst when frozen.
  • If you heat with oil, make sure fuel isn’t pooling in the furnace.
  • If you have a hot water heating system, bleed all the radiators.

For more information consult the Ministère de la Sécurité publique Web site

Service is now restored

Our teams worked hard to restore the service. Verify your home or business, inspect if there are damages to your electrical installations and restock your emergency kit.

What to do when service is restored?

Important links

  • Link to main sections
    • Residential
    • Business
  • Link to some of our sites
    • About
    • Energy Wise
    • Security advice
    • Newsroom
    • Contact us
    • Power outages
    • Jobs*
    • Our sites
  • Newsletters
  • Follow us
    • Linkedin
    • Youtube
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
      • @hydroquebec Company news
      • @hydro_customer General questions about electricity service
  • Apps
    • Apple Store
    • Google Store
  • Voice Assistants
  • Home
  • Site map
  • Terms and confidentiality
  • Accessibility
  • Netiquette
  • Request for access and Privacy

© Hydro-Québec, 1996- 2023. All rights reserved. * Web site in French only