Preparing for an Outage

Preparing for a storm or power outage

Being prepared for storms and power outages is part of living on PEI. We work year-round to minimize the potential for power outages by building grid resiliency and trimming trees; however it’s still important to always be prepared.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for a storm or power outage:

  • Download our Storm Preparedness and Safety Checklist [PDF - 291 KB]
  • Locate your Maritime Electric 16-digit account number, which can be found on the left hand side of your bill under the Account Number section. For e-billing customers, your 16-digit account number can also be found in the email that accompanies your monthly bill. You will need your account number to report an outage using our virtual assistant and to report an outage online.  
  • Familiarize yourself with Reading the Outage Map [PDF - 500 KB]
  • Keep our phone number on hand by adding it to your contact list. Use this number to report power outages 24/7: 1-800-670-1012.
  • Bookmark our outage map in your web browser for the latest outage information.
  • Familiarize yourself with MyPower, the easiest way to report an outage online.
  • Charge all mobile devices and portable power banks.
  • Secure loose items around your yard.
  • If applicable, review generator safety information and download our Generator Safety Brochure [PDF- 915 KB] to share with anyone you know who has a generator
  • Fill propane tank and your vehicle's gas tank (charge your electric vehicle if applicable).
  • Check your first aid kit for expired products and refill any medications.
  • Check your sump pump and consider purchasing a backup battery.
  • Review emergency plan with your family.
  • Prepare an emergency kit with at least 72 hours-worth of supplies for each member of your family and place it in an area that is easily accessible to everyone in your household.

More information

Downed power lines

Downed power lines are extremely dangerous. Always assume a downed power line is live and energized. If there are any objects contacting the downed power line, assume those are energized and dangerous as well. Do not drive over downed power lines. Never, under any circumstances, attempt to touch or move a downed power line.

If you see a downed power line, stay at least 30 metres away and warn others to do the same. Call 911 and call Maritime Electric at 1-800-670-1012 to report the downed power line as soon as possible. Make sure you also know what to do if your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line.

Learn more about power line safety.