Hydro One plans significant power outage for May 23, 2026

Preparing for an outage 

Power outages can affect heating, cooling, lighting, water, internet and phone service. Residents are encouraged to prepare ahead of time to help keep their households safe and comfortable. 

• Prepare your emergency kit with important supplies like water, food, flashlights, batteries and chargers 

• Make a household emergency plan with special consideration for children, older adults, pets, and anyone with medical needs 

• Plan ahead if you use medical equipment, refrigerated medication or devices that need internet or electricity 

• Charge phones, power banks and electronic devices before the outage begins 

• Keep flashlights and extra batteries in easy-to-find places 

• Keep your vehicle fuel tank at least half full, or make sure your electric vehicle is charged 

• Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms have working batteries 

• Use surge-protecting power bars to help protect electronics 

• Keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible during the outage 

• A freezer can keep food frozen for 24-48 hours if the door stays closed 

During the outage 

• Unplug electronics and appliances to help prevent damage from power surges 

• Lower your thermostat to help protect your heating system when power returns 

• Limit cell phone use to save battery power 

• Avoid unnecessary travel, as traffic lights may not be working 

• Use flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk 

• Never use a gas stove or barbecue to heat your home 

If using a generator: 

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully 

• Plug appliances directly into the generator 

• Only use CSA-approved extension cords rated for outdoor use 

• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet 

• Only connect a generator to your home’s electrical system through an approved transfer switch installed by a qualified electrician  

After the outage 

• Wait a few minutes before reconnecting appliances and electronics 

• Turn heating systems back on first, if needed 

• Reconnect refrigerators and freezers before other appliances 

• Make sure your hot water heater is full before turning the power back on 

• Check food carefully to make sure it is still safe to eat 

Hydro One resources 

Hydro One offers tools to help residents stay updated before and during outages. 

View current and planned outages on the Hydro One Outage Map. 

Residents can sign up for text alerts and access other outage tools on the Hydro One Outage Tools page. 

Other emergency information 

For information on how to stay safe in different types of emergency situations, visit our Emergency Management page.