Preparing for a BC power outage? What BC Hydro advises for storm season, what to put in a 72 hour kit and a grab and go bag, and what to do during an outage.
- BC Hydro advises two kits: a 72 hour kit for staying home and a grab and go bag for leaving.
- In the 2024 storm season BC Hydro restored 75% of affected customers in under 12 hours and 90% within 24.
- Check your breaker panel first, then the outage map, then report your outage.
Storms and wildfire are the usual reasons for outages in British Columbia, so BC Hydro's storm season advice is a good base for a plan. We have not found any notice of a coming provincial blackout. This page pulls together what the utility recommends.
Two kits, not one
BC Hydro recommends a 72 hour kit for staying home through an extended outage, and a grab and go bag for leaving quickly. Keep them at home, at work and in vehicles, and refresh them once or twice a year.
What goes in the kit
- At least two litres of bottled water per person per day for three days (the Government of Canada figure is higher, so see our water guide)
- Flashlights and extra batteries, and a battery or hand crank radio
- A whistle, a phone charger or power bank
- First aid kit and prescription medication
- Cash in small bills, spare keys and copies of important documents
During an outage
Check your circuit breaker panel or fuse box to see if the outage is only in your home. Check the outage map, and if your outage is not listed, report it online or call 1 800 224 9376 (or *HYDRO from a mobile phone). Turn off appliances and electronics, especially heat generating ones. Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed: a full fridge keeps food cold for about four hours and a full freezer for up to 48 hours, or about 24 if half full.
How fast power usually returns
BC Hydro says that during the record 2024 storm season it restored power to 75% of affected customers in under 12 hours and to 90% within 24 hours. Longer outages do happen, which is why the 72 hour minimum matters. See our BC outage guide for wildfire and wind.
Backup power picks (Canada)
A power station can cover lights, phones and a router. Check the sizing guide first.
Quick comparison
| Brand | Best for |
|---|---|
| BBLUETTI | Large lineup, expandable home systems |
| JJackery | Wide range, compact to home backup sizes |
Power stations and solar generators with fast charging. Compare capacity and warranty.
Larger capacity power stations that can run a fridge, with expandable batteries.
- Broad capacity range
- Expandable home-backup options
- Compare battery chemistry and stated cycle life
Popular portable power stations and solar kits for short outages.
- Has a Canadian storeHas a US store
- Small, mid and large models
- Compare capacity, output and warranty on the maker page
Quick answers
What does BC Hydro recommend for outages?
A 72 hour kit for staying home and a grab and go bag for leaving, plus a household plan reviewed every year.
Who do I call to report an outage?
BC Hydro lists 1 800 224 9376, or *HYDRO from a mobile phone, after checking the outage map.
How long does food last without power?
About four hours in a full fridge and up to 48 hours in a full freezer, if doors stay closed.