February is often marked by snowstorms, ice and prolonged outages in Quebec... And March is not immune either. Every year, thousands of homes are left without electricity, sometimes for several days.

When a power outage occurs in the middle of winter, the consequences can be serious: lack of heating, food that is lost, inability to recharge your devices or use essential equipment.

If you are wondering How to avoid inconveniences and better prepare yourself, here is a complete guide to facing winter without stress.

Why are winter breakdowns more and more frequent in Quebec?

Winter power outages are far from being rare in Quebec, and their frequency is only increasing.

Weight of snow and ice

When a storm hits, heavy snow and ice build up on tree branches, which eventually break and fall onto power lines. This phenomenon is one of the main causes of power cuts in winter.

High winds and extreme conditions

Wind combined with extreme cold weakens electrical infrastructures. The poles, already under pressure due to the ice, become more vulnerable and can give way under the effect of gusts.

Saturated network

In winter, electricity consumption peaks. Between the heating, the appliances and the home office devices, the network is under tension. Overloading can cause localized failures, especially during cold waves.

The numbers speak for themselves

• En 2022, Hydro-Québec has recorded an increase of 25% of breakdowns compared to previous years.
• During an ice storm in April 2023, more than 1 million homes were left without electricity for several days.

These figures show that cuts are not an exception, but a reality that must be prepared for.

The risks of a long outage in winter

A winter outage isn't just a few hours without light. It can quickly become a critical situation if it lasts for several days.

🔥 Heating off = risk of hypothermia
Temperatures can drop below -20°C in February. Without electricity, homes cool quickly, putting vulnerable people like children and seniors at risk.

🥶 Frozen pipes and water damage
When the temperature drops below zero, the water in the pipes can freeze and cause major breakages, leading to costly repairs.

🥩 Wasted food
A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours and a freezer 24 to 48 hours. After that, the food may be unfit for consumption.

🚨 Security compromised
Without electricity, alarm systems and connected smoke detectors stop working, increasing the risks in the event of an emergency.

Solutions to avoid inconveniences: automatic vs portable generators

Have a emergency power source is essential to avoid these inconveniences. But which generator should you choose?

The quick and easy answer?
If you are looking for a reliable and worry-free solution, an automatic generator is the best choice.
If you have a temporary need or a smaller budget, a portable generator may do the trick, but it requires more management.

Checklist: how to prepare your home for a prolonged outage?

Feeding

• Have a supply of non-perishable food (canned food, dry proteins, drinking water).
• Store wood or propane for additional heating.

Electricity and lighting

• Bring a flashlight with spare batteries.
• Have a portable battery to charge your phone.

Heating and water

• Protect pipes from freezing by insulating them.
• Keep blankets and warm clothing handy.

Security and communication

• Keep a battery powered radio to follow weather advisories.
• Inform a loved one in the event of a prolonged outage.

A generator ensures that this checklist becomes a backup plan rather than a necessity.

Why invest in a generator now?

Buying a generator is not a luxury, but an investment in your comfort and your safety.

✔ Reliability : No more stress, no matter how long the outage lasts.
✔ Added value : A house equipped with an automatic generator increases in value on the market.
✔ Comfort : No need to panic when a storm is approaching, the word “relax” makes perfect sense when others don't relax.

With breakdowns becoming more and more frequent, it's best to be ready before the next outage. Do you have questions? Let's talk about your situation and find the best solution for you.

Protect your home as of today.