Gradual service restoration
Is the power back on at your neighbour's house but not at yours? Your address is likely affected by the gradual service restoration process.
Preventing outages with gradual service restoration
Following an outage or a planned service interruption to carry out work on the grid, Hydro-Québec may prolong the interruption at certain addresses anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours (2 hours on average).
This process allows the load to be better distributed and thus prevents equipment failures on the grid that could affect a large number of households for longer periods.
During cold weather
From early November until the end of April, gradual service restoration may be carried out in certain regions when the power grid is under a lot of pressure, especially during cold snaps, and during major power outages.
Depending on site circumstances
This process can also be used when the ground crews anticipate a system overload during power restoration or when they come across damaged equipment. This allows them to work faster and more safely, which is in everyone's best interest.
What happens during service restoration
What happens during service restoration
This video explains what happens when service is restored to all homes in a neighbourhood at the same time. It also provides tips on reducing the load in such circumstances.
Video of 1 minute and 40 seconds
FAQs
Over the past few years, electricity consumption in Québec has increased considerably for several reasons, such as climate change, transportation electrification, telework and the increased use of high-consumption electronic devices. This increase puts the grid at an increased risk of overload. That's why the gradual service restoration process is necessary.
Yes. Despite Hydro-Québec's efforts to limit the number of times an address is affected by the process, a household may be impacted more than once during the winter.
At these addresses, the service interruption may be prolonged anywhere from 30 minutes to five hours (2 hours on average).
Simple ways you can help with service restoration
Postpone the use of major appliances
Turn off appliances that were on when the outage occurred and wait awhile before restarting them.
Turn down the heat for the first few hours
Lower the set temperature to a minimum and raise it gradually.
Try not to use hot water
Wait before turning on the washer or dishwasher or taking a shower or bath.
Charge your EV later
Unplug your EV so it doesn't start charging as soon as power is restored.
Check to see if your address is affected by the gradual service restoration process.
Stay informed, wherever you are!
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