Preparing for Power Cuts During Hot Canadian Summers

As wildfires intensify across Canada, utilities are introducing a controversial safety measure: planned power shutoffs during extreme weather. Known as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), these outages hope to prevent electrical equipment from sparking fires in hot, dry, windy conditions.

The policy, common in California since 2018, is now making its way north. FortisBC has already introduced PSPS in B.C.’s southern interior, and other utilities are also considering similar steps. While these measures reduce fire risk, they pose new challenges for households, especially during heatwaves.

Without power, homeowners lose cooling options like fans or air conditioners, and rural residents using electric pumps would also lose access to water. The 2021 BC heat dome claimed more than 600 lives, underscoring how dangerous prolonged heat can be.

Experts recommend Canadians prepare to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. This goes beyond extra food and water; it means ensuring true energy resilience. Backup generators and batteries are options but are costly and fuel dependent. A smarter solution is renewable microgeneration systems, which reduce reliance on the electrical grid year-round and can also lower electricity costs.

At Borrum Energy Solutions, we offer home-scale, self-assembly wind turbines/towers that make energy independence practical and affordable. These systems harness wind power to keep essential devices running during outages while helping to reduce electricity costs. For rural properties, cottages, and anyone off-grid that is concerned about reliability, wind power offers security and sustainability in one solution. Preparing for future outages starts now, and BES can help you stay powered through whatever comes next.