NS Power Outage Map: Stay Informed and Prepared

Due to severe weather, aging infrastructure, and other factors, electrical outages in Nova Scotia are a frequent challenge. Knowing how to track outages and prepare for them can make all the difference. The Nova Scotia Power Outage Map provides real-time updates, helping residents stay informed. Additionally, having an emergency kit and a reliable backup energy source ensures you stay safe and connected during blackouts. This guide covers everything you need to know about electrical outages in NS, from common causes to essential safety tips.

How Do I Check the Status of My Power Outage in NS?

To check the status of an outage in Nova Scotia, use Nova Scotia Power’s Outage Map online for real-time visualizations that are updated every 10 minutes. Click on the individual outage icon, and an info panel will appear on the right showing how many people are affected, when it started, what caused it, and how long it will last, with an ETA for when it’s likely to return. If you see a cluster of outages, zoom in with the + button on the map or the scroll button on your mouse to reach the individual icons. 

Alternatively, you can follow Nova Scotia Power on Twitter (X) for storm updates and photos of crews making repairs. 

If your phone is dead or you need Wi-Fi, you can stay connected by plugging your router and other devices into your EcoFlow Portable Power Station. 

What Are the Most Common Causes of Power Outages in NS?

Here are some of the numerous causes of outages in Nova Scotia.  

Severe Weather

The most common reason for outages is severe weather, such as strong winds, hurricanes, lightning, heavy snow, and ice. Outages are most often caused by severe weather events that knock trees or branches onto the lines, damaging them. Sometimes, lightning strikes, strong winds, and snow and ice buildup can directly damage lines, substations, or other electrical infrastructure. 

Equipment Failure

Malfunctioning transformers or other equipment is the second most common cause of outages in NS. Our infrastructure is aging, leading to equipment failures and making it much more vulnerable to weather events. In fact, Nova Scotia Power was fined in 2023 and again in 2024 for failing to meet customer performance standards.   

This is why all NS homes should have an emergency energy supply. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Series Solar Generator (PV160W) is an excellent choice for keeping your refrigerator or other essential appliances running. It comes with a solar panel, so you can recharge it during the day for those extended outages.

Salt Contamination

Salt contamination is another common problem with coastal utilities. Saltwater is an excellent conductor of electricity, which can cause electrical shorting when wind blows salt onto equipment, triggering outages. 

Strained Electrical Grid

Heat waves and cold snaps can also strain the aging NS electrical grid, which is made worse by the lack of investment in maintenance and upgrades. When we experience a peak in demand as we run more electric heat or air conditioners, it strains the grid. Even if the grid doesn’t fail, using more electricity will lead to higher electricity demand charges on your next bill.

To reduce grid strain and keep those demand charges low, use an EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Portable Power Station to run your electric heaters. It has 4000W of output and will run both 120V and 240V appliances, plenty enough to run multiple appliances to keep you warm, keep the lights on, and keep those bills lower.  

Wildlife

Another major cause of outages in NS is animal interference. Birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals caused over 1,500 blackouts in 2024 alone. 

Accidents

Sometimes, cars collide with poles or other infrastructure, causing outages. Another fairly common cause is when construction crews run into an overhead line or dig without knowing where underground lines are buried, damaging them and causing blackouts. 

Planned Outages

Finally, planned outages are sometimes scheduled so crews can safely perform maintenance or upgrades to equipment. Fortunately, as long as your contact information is up-to-date, you should be informed beforehand so you can prepare. 

How To Stay Safe During an NS Power Outage

Purchase a Safe Backup Power Supply

With our severe weather and aging infrastructure, having a safe backup energy supply is critical for anyone in Nova Scotia. Solar generators and portable power stations are preferred over traditional generators. People too often bring traditional generators indoors and use them near doors and windows or use gas stoves or ovens to heat their homes, causing carbon monoxide poisoning that kills about 300 people every year in Canada. If you already have a traditional generator, you must run it outdoors and away from all doors and windows, including your neighbours’.

The EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Portable Power Station uses no fossil fuels and produces no emissions, making it safe for indoor use. This robust model starts at 7.2kW of output, and, with expandable batteries, it can provide up to 90kWh capacity, which will keep your whole home powered up even during an extended blackout. It will run your lights, refrigerator to prevent food spoilage, a heater or air conditioner, medical equipment, and anything else. If you’re unsure how much capacity you need, calculate your kWh usage. You can look at your monthly bill to determine how much your home uses or add up the running watts of your essential appliances.

A solar generator is handy during extended outages. The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) has a 4000W power station, perfect for running essential appliances, and it comes with a 400W solar panel so you can recharge it during the day. 

Prepare an Emergency Kit

Every home should have an emergency kit so you can keep your family safe during any emergency. Keep the contents in a waterproof bin so you can grab it and go if you ever need to evacuate during an extreme weather event. Your kit should include the following items:

• 4 litres (1 gallon) of water per person per day for 3 days
• Non-perishable food for each person to last 3 days
• Food and water for your pets for 3 days
• Rechargeable LED flashlights
• Complete first aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Can opener, utensils
• Prescription drugs, if necessary
• Blankets and warm clothing for all family members
• Hand sanitizer, soap, and toilet paper
• Multi-tool and duct tape
• Lighter or matches in a waterproof container

Use LED Lights Instead of Candles

Using candles during outages is not a good idea due to the fire risk. Rechargeable LED flashlights and lanterns are safe, last a long time, and can be recharged quickly with your portable power station.  

Stay Away From Downed Lines

Downed lines are especially common during outages caused by severe weather. Always stay at least 10 meters away from downed lines and anything they may be touching to avoid the risk of electrocution.    

Stay Home

Finally, your family should always stay home during a blackout unless you need emergency medical attention or have been ordered to evacuate. There are often road hazards like fallen trees, and you should keep the roads clear for emergency responders.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Power outages in Nova Scotia are unpredictable but inevitable; staying informed and prepared makes all the difference. Checking the NS Power Outage Map, understanding common causes, and having a safe backup energy solution like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Solar Generator (PV400W) can help you navigate even extended blackouts. Also, ensure your home is equipped with an emergency kit and rechargeable LED lights. Then, you can stay prepared and safe, no matter the circumstances.