What Causes Power Outages and What To Do About It: A Complete Guide

Power outages can happen unexpectedly, leaving homes and businesses in the dark. Whether it’s a flicker of lights or a full-blown blackout, losing power can be frustrating and even disruptive.

But what exactly causes these outages? While we often think of storms as the main culprit, there are actually several reasons your power might go out, from equipment failures to overloaded grids. Understanding these causes can help you be better prepared the next time the lights go off.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons for power outages and what you can do when one strikes. Whether it’s knowing how to protect your electronics, how to stay safe during an extended outage or who to call, a little preparation goes a long way.

Let’s explore the various causes of power outages and practical steps to handle them when they occur.

Common Causes of Power Outages

Power outages can happen for a variety of reasons, and knowing the most common causes can help you understand why they occur.

Here are the top culprits:

  • Severe weather: Storms, high winds and lightning strikes are some of the most common reasons for power outages. These weather events can damage power lines or transformers, leaving entire neighbourhoods without electricity.
  • Equipment failure: Like any infrastructure, power systems age and wear out over time. When power lines, transformers, or other components fail, it can result in an unexpected outage.
  • Fallen trees and vegetation: Trees and branches growing near power lines can be knocked over by wind or heavy rain, causing damage to the lines and interrupting the power supply.
  • Human error: Accidental damage during construction or maintenance work can disrupt electrical systems. Even a simple mistake, like digging into a buried power line, can cause widespread outages.
  • Wildlife interference: Squirrels, birds, and other small animals sometimes find their way into transformers or power lines, causing disruptions and outages.
  • Overloaded power grids: During extreme temperatures, especially in summer heatwaves, the power grid can become overloaded as more people use air conditioning. This strain can cause blackouts.
  • Planned maintenance: Utility companies occasionally schedule planned outages for maintenance or upgrades. While inconvenient, these outages are necessary for keeping the power grid in good shape.

Lightning strikes during a storm

What To Do During a Power Outage

When the power goes out, it’s easy to feel a little helpless, but staying calm and taking the right steps can make all the difference. Here are some things you can do to stay safe and manage the situation:

  • Unplug electronics: To protect your appliances from power surges when electricity is restored, unplug items like TVs, computers and gaming consoles.
  • Use emergency lighting: Keep flashlights or battery-powered lanterns on hand for times like this. Avoid using candles if possible, as they can be a fire hazard.
  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed: Your food can stay cold for several hours if you don’t open the fridge. This helps preserve perishables during an extended outage.
  • Check with neighbours: Confirm if the outage is affecting just your home or the whole neighbourhood. It can also be a good time to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to ensure they’re okay.
  • Report the outage: Contact your utility company to let them know about the outage, even if you suspect they’re aware of it. Some companies provide outage maps or updates online.
  • Stay informed: Use a battery-powered radio or your phone (if possible) to listen for updates from local authorities on when power is expected to return.

By following these steps, you can manage a power outage with confidence.

How to Prevent Power Outages at Home

While you can’t always avoid power outages caused by storms or issues with the power grid, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of power disruptions at home.

Here are some proactive measures you can implement:

  • Install a backup generator: Having a generator on hand ensures that you’ll have power during an outage. It’s particularly useful for keeping essentials like refrigerators, lights, and medical devices running.
  • Trim trees and branches: Keep trees and vegetation around your property well-trimmed and away from power lines. This can help prevent damage during windy weather or storms.
  • Use surge protectors: Power surges can occur when the electricity comes back after an outage, potentially damaging your appliances. Surge protectors act as a shield, safeguarding your electronics.
  • Upgrade old wiring: If your home’s electrical system is outdated, it may be more prone to failures. Consider having a professional electrician assess and upgrade your wiring to ensure it can handle modern electrical loads.
  • Limit electricity use during peak hours: Power grids can become overloaded during high-demand periods, like hot summer afternoons. Reducing energy use during these times can help lower the overall strain on the system.

By taking these steps, you can help protect your home from the inconvenience of power outages and keep things running smoothly even during unexpected situations.

A couple calling an electrician during a power outage

Quick Response is the Key

Power outages are an inevitable part of life, but understanding what causes them and knowing how to respond can make a big difference.

From severe weather to equipment failures or even small animals causing trouble, power outages can happen for many reasons. The good news is that with the right preparation and response, you can stay safe and minimise the inconvenience.

During an outage, simple actions like unplugging electronics, using emergency lighting and keeping your fridge closed can protect your home and help you ride out the situation smoothly.

Additionally, taking preventive measures, such as installing surge protectors or trimming trees near power lines and regular electrical maintenance, can reduce the chances of experiencing an outage in the first place.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.