Alberta’s weather can change quickly, especially during the summer. Heavy rain, flash floods, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and wildfires can all lead to power outages or natural gas service disruptions. While your local distribution company works to restore service safely, being prepared ahead of time can help protect your family and reduce stress during an emergency.
Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
Emergency management agencies recommend that every household have enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours after a major weather event.
Your emergency kit should include:
- Bottled water (at least two litres per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Portable phone chargers or power banks
- First aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Important documents stored in a waterproof container
It’s also a good idea to keep your phones, laptops, and portable battery packs fully charged whenever severe weather is in the forecast.
Prepare Your Home for Flooding
Heavy rainfall can cause localized flooding across Alberta, sometimes with little warning.
Before a storm arrives:
- Clear gutters and downspouts.
- Move valuables out of basements if your home is prone to flooding.
- Know where your electrical panel is located.
- Never enter standing water if electrical equipment or outlets may be energized.
If floodwater reaches your electrical panel or appliances, stay out of the affected area and wait for it to be declared safe before restoring power.
Be Ready for Tornadoes and Severe Storms
Strong winds, lightning, hail, and tornadoes can damage power lines and electrical equipment.
When severe weather is expected:
- Bring loose outdoor furniture inside.
- Park vehicles under cover if possible.
- Identify the safest room in your home.
- Enable emergency weather alerts on your phone.
- Keep flashlights readily available instead of relying on candles.
Having a plan before the storm arrives can help keep your family safe if the power goes out unexpectedly.
Prepare for Wildfire Season
Wildfires can damage electrical infrastructure or require planned outages to protect communities.
If you live in an area at risk of wildfire:
- Prepare an evacuation plan.
- Keep your vehicle fuelled.
- Pack medications and important documents ahead of time.
- Follow evacuation orders immediately.
- Monitor local emergency alerts.
Even if your community isn’t directly affected, wildfire smoke and damaged infrastructure can still disrupt utility services.
Know Who to Call During a Power Outage
One of the biggest misconceptions is that your electricity retailer restores power during an outage.
In Alberta, your local distribution company owns and maintains the power lines, meters, and electrical infrastructure. If your power goes out, they’re the organization responsible for responding and restoring service.
To help make this easier, we’ve created a quick reference guide with the emergency and service inquiry numbers for Alberta’s electricity and natural gas distribution companies.
The infographic includes:
- Electricity distribution companies by Site ID
- Outage and emergency phone numbers
- Meter reading and service inquiry numbers
- Natural gas emergency contacts
- ATCO Electric
- ENMAX Power
- EPCOR
- FortisAlberta
- Lethbridge
- Red Deer
- Ponoka
- Fort Macleod
- Cardston
- ATCO Gas
- APEX
You’ll find your Site ID on your Peace Power utility bill. Keeping this number handy can help you quickly identify the correct distribution company during an outage.
Stay Safe Around Downed Power Lines
After storms or flooding:
- Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines.
- Never drive over fallen wires.
- Assume every power line is energized.
- Report hazards to your local distribution company immediately.
Even if a power line appears inactive, it may still be carrying electricity.
Preparation Starts Before the Weather Changes
Power outages aren’t always preventable, but preparing ahead of time can make them easier to manage. By keeping an emergency kit ready, knowing your household’s emergency plan, and saving your local distribution company’s contact information, you’ll be better prepared for whatever Alberta’s weather brings.
If you have questions about your Peace Power account, our customer care team is happy to help. For power outages, natural gas emergencies, or distribution service inquiries, always contact your local distribution company using the contact numbers in the infographic above.