Edmonton outage guide: what EPCOR advises, who to call, how grid alerts and rolling outages work, and what to keep ready for an Alberta winter.
- Check your breaker, then EPCOR's outage map, then call 780-412-4500 if your area is not listed.
- Grid alerts ask you to cut power use. Rolling outages are a last resort and average 20 to 30 minutes per area.
- A full freezer stays frozen 24 to 48 hours and a full fridge about 4 hours.
We have not found any notice of a coming blackout in Edmonton. What you may hear about are Alberta grid alerts and rolling outages, which are different from a long outage. Here is how EPCOR describes them.
Grid alerts
The AESO issues a grid alert when supply is too tight for demand. Causes include extreme winter or summer weather, changes in renewable generation through the day and unplanned generation outages. During an alert you are asked to cut use: switch off unneeded lights and appliances, limit space heaters and air conditioners, and delay laundry, dishwashing and stove cooking. EPCOR says grid alerts often do not lead to outages. See our Alberta grid alerts guide.
Rolling outages
Rolling (rotating) outages are temporary, controlled cuts to different areas, used as a last resort. EPCOR says each area in the rotation will experience an outage of 20 to 30 minutes on average, and it aims to keep each to 30 minutes at most. They end once supply meets demand, and neighbourhoods cannot be notified in advance.
Reporting an outage
Check whether only your home is affected, since a tripped breaker can cause an outage. Check EPCOR's outage map, and if your area is not listed call the 24/7 line at 780-412-4500. Sign up for outage alerts by text or email.
During an outage
- Turn off heat producing appliances and unplug electronics to protect them from surges.
- Keep fridge and freezer doors closed: a full freezer stays frozen 24 to 48 hours and a full fridge about 4 hours.
- Use flashlights, not candles. Leave one light on so you know when power returns.
- Turn on backup power for your sump pump.
See also the Alberta outage guide.
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Quick answers
What number do I call for an EPCOR outage?
If your area is not on the outage map, EPCOR lists the 24/7 line at 780-412-4500.
How long do rolling outages last?
EPCOR says about 20 to 30 minutes per area on average.
Does a grid alert mean a blackout?
No. EPCOR says grid alerts often do not lead to outages.