Is it the whole area or just you? Quick checks with neighbours, your breaker panel and the utility outage map, and how to report it.
- Look at neighbours and street lights first, then check your utility outage map.
- If only your home is dark, check GFCIs and breakers, but never open the panel or touch anything wet.
- Report your outage even if you think others already did.
The lights are off. Is the whole street dark, or is it only your house? The answer decides what you do next. An area outage means waiting and reporting it. A problem inside your home means checking your own panel, and maybe calling an electrician.
You can usually figure it out in a few minutes with a few simple checks.
Step 1: look outside
Look out a window or step outside safely, and look at neighbouring homes, street lights and traffic signals.
- If neighbours and street lights are dark, it is probably an area outage.
- If neighbours have lights but you do not, the fault is likely in your home or on your service line.
- Remember that some neighbours may be on a different feeder, so a lit house across the street is not conclusive. Check a few homes on your side.
Be careful if the weather is bad. Stay clear of downed lines and anything that looks damaged, and do not go out in lightning.
Step 2: ask a neighbour or use your phone
A quick text or knock confirms what you can see. A community group chat or a neighbourhood app can be fast too, if your phone has signal. This is also a good moment for a check-in. See neighbour check-ins during a power outage.
Step 3: check your utility
Most utilities in Canada and the US post an outage map and let you report or check an outage online, by app, by text or by phone. Use mobile data if your home internet is down. Look for your address or area, the number of customers affected, the cause if known and the estimated restoration time.
Keep in mind:
- Maps can lag by several minutes or more, so a missing outage does not prove there is none.
- Estimates can change as crews assess damage.
- Large events may overwhelm phone lines, so use the app or text option first.
Our alerts and outage reporting guide explains how to sign up for alerts, and our outage map page points you to resources.
Step 4: check your own panel
If it looks like only your home is out, check inside.
- Look at the main breaker and the other breakers in your panel. Only do this if the area is dry and the panel is undamaged. Do not open the panel cover.
- Reset any GFCI outlets in bathrooms, kitchens and garages.
- Unplug high-draw devices before resetting a tripped breaker.
- If the main breaker has tripped and will not reset, or it trips again, do not keep trying.
If only some rooms are out, see what to do if only part of your home loses power.
Step 5: check the meter and service
Look at your electric meter if you can see it safely from outside. A digital meter that is blank or dark can mean no power is reaching it. If a wire to your home is down, hanging low or sparking, stay far away. Treat all downed lines as live, and call the utility and emergency services.
If the meter is fine but the home has no power, the issue may be on your side of the service. A licensed electrician can check the main panel and service entrance.
Step 6: report it
Even if you think the whole street is out, report your outage. Utilities rely on reports to locate faults, and one neighbour may assume another already called.
- Use the utility's online form, app or phone number.
- Give your address, account number if you have it, and what you observed, such as sparking, a loud bang, a downed line or a tree on a wire.
- If someone depends on powered medical equipment, say so.
- For danger such as fire or a live downed wire, call emergency services.
While you wait
Once you know it is an area outage, switch to waiting mode. Turn off or unplug sensitive devices, keep the fridge shut, and charge your phone sparingly. See what to do when the power goes out and how to keep phones charged. Leave one lamp on, so you know when power returns.
If the outage is just your home and you cannot restore it, get a warm place, safe light and a plan to keep food cold until an electrician can come.
Quick answers
How do I know if my power is out in my area?
Check street lights and neighbouring homes, then look at your utility's outage map, app or text service. Report the outage if it is not listed.
Who do I call if only my house is out?
Call your utility first if you see a downed wire, a damaged meter or flickering across the house. Call an electrician if the problem is inside, such as a breaker that won't reset.