Power failure

Following Hydro-Québec’s numerous power outages in certain sectors of the city of Brossard, the city met with Hydro-Québec representatives on June 28 to get the lowdown on our electrical network. It’s not the first time the city has called the state-owned company to account for the reliability of the network in our municipality.

Some breakdowns are unavoidable (e.g. planned breakdowns or weather conditions). However, there seem to be some anomalies on the network in certain sectors that have yet to be clearly diagnosed by Hydro-Québec.

The city’s expectations of Hydro-Québec have been communicated, and we expect concrete action from them.

Who should I contact in the event of an electrical problem or breakdown?

To report a power outage or problem, call Hydro-Québec at 1 800 790 2424 (24 hours a day) or visit our website.

If you feel that Hydro-Québec is not responding quickly enough to your request, contact your MNA. Hydro-Québec is a crown corporation of the Québec government.

Your best ally in case of breakdown

With the Info-pannes mobile app, you can report a breakdown at your fingertips and stay informed of developments. Enable notifications to receive a message if the scheduled restoration time changes and when service is restored. Download the application to be notified of scheduled interruptions to electricity service at your address.

And what about the trees?

Ville de Brossard is not authorized to prune trees that touch power lines. Work must be carried out only by Hydro-Québec or authorized subcontractors.

If you see branches touching power lines, visit the Hydro-Québec website to find out when they will be passing near you. If the information is not available, please notify them by calling 1 800 790 2424 (24 hours a day) or by reporting the problem via the website.

In Quebec, bad weather often causes power outages. When these failures persist, certain health and safety risks increase, such as fire, carbon monoxide asphyxiation and food poisoning. There are a few things you can do to limit the dangers of a power failure:

Get ready

Keep an emergency kit handy. If your health or that of a loved one depends on an electrically-powered appliance, make sure you have a back-up power source, or agree with family or friends where you can stay in the event of a power failure.

Check your heating system

Here are some prevention tips:

• Have your heating system inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician once a year;

• If you purchase an auxiliary heating system, make sure it meets safety standards and is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and current regulations; and

• Get a carbon monoxide alarm if you plan to use a combustion heating appliance (gas heater, wood-burning fireplace, etc.).

Safety tips from the Service de sécurité incendie de l’agglomération de Longueuil (SSIAL)

The dangers of carbon monoxide

• Fuel-powered outdoor appliances used for cooking, heating or lighting can produce carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic and even deadly gas. They must not be used in the house.

Using a portable generator

• The generator must be located outdoors, as the engine produces carbon monoxide.
• Use an extension cord in good condition. Do not overload the extension cord, as this may cause a fire hazard.

Use of an electric heater with the generator.

• Make sure they are not placed near any flammable material, such as curtains, tablecloths or furniture. Appliances must be well maintained and must not overload the electrical circuit.

Safe use of candles

• Always place them on a stable, non-slippery, uncluttered surface.
• Place them more than 30 cm from any flammable object (curtains, paper decorations, tablecloths, paper towels, bedding, upholstery, woodwork, books, etc.).
• Avoid using them in the bedroom: you may fall asleep without extinguishing the candle.
• Cut the wick to five millimeters before lighting. Then turn it off every two to three hours, if necessary, to prevent the flame from getting too high.

Other practical tips

• Sort the food in your possession in the event of a prolonged power failure. However, avoid opening the refrigerator and freezer doors too often, so that food keeps longer;

• Do not use a cooking appliance designed for outdoor use indoors (propane barbecue, hibachi grill, etc.);

• Set thermostats to minimum to prevent overload when power is restored;

• Flush the toilet and open the taps, letting a little water run a few times a day to prevent the pipes from freezing, unless otherwise advised by the municipality; and

• Strictly follow the operating instructions for your auxiliary heating system.

If you’re staying in your home during a winter power outage, watch for symptoms of hypothermia. There’s no need to take risks; leave your home as soon as you feel your safety has been compromised.

Source and reference for more information: Government of Quebec – Power outage