Latest Storm Prompts Activation of Nova Scotia Power's Emergency Operations Centre

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia Power will open its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Wednesday morning (January 10) at 8 AM ahead of the latest windstorm expected to hit the province. 

“Our team has been monitoring the weather forecasts over the last several days. In light of the high winds expected to reach 90–100+ km an hour across the province, we will be activating our Emergency Operation Centre,” said Matt Drover, Nova Scotia Power’s Storm Lead. “This will ensure we are best coordinating our storm response, so we’re ready to respond to any impact that comes as a result of those high winds,” said Drover.

Crews are getting ready and will be positioned across the province ahead of the storm. Nova Scotia Power will be working closely with the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office as well. 

“The storm is anticipated to be similar to other windstorms that impacted the province in December, and the strength of these winds is expected to impact the electricity grid as well,” said Drover. “The number one cause of power outages during storms is trees coming into contact with power lines. Our crews are prepared to safely respond to this type of damage as quickly as possible,” said Drover.

Trees coming into contact with power lines is the number one cause of outages during storms. That’s why Nova Scotia Power has been increasing its investment in tree trimming. In 2023, $32 million was invested in trimming, cutting, and removing trees and widening rights of ways. That was up $7 million from the year before. This year, nearly $45 million will be invested in this work.

Outage Information 

Customers can report outages and get estimated restoration times online at outagemap.nspower.ca or by calling 1-877-428-6004. As crews are able to assess the extent of damage or impacts to equipment, estimated restoration times may be updated.

For more information, please visit: www.nspower.ca/storms.

Safety and storm preparedness tips can be found here: www.nspower.ca/stormready.

Quick Facts

• Along with tree trimming, NS Power has been doing other proactive upgrades and maintenance throughout the year, including replacing poles with stronger more resilient ones. This helps prepare the system for high winds and extreme weather like this.
• The average number of hours of wind gusts over 80km an hour in the last five years is up 54% from the five years before that.
• High winds can cause damage by bringing trees and branches into contact with power lines, causing outages. 
• If a customer’s electrical equipment is damaged, such as a meter mast, they’ll need a certified electrician to make repairs before NS Power can safely restore power.
• You can find more on our Vegetation Management Program here: www.nspower.ca/trees.

About Nova Scotia Power

Nova Scotia Power Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (TSX-EMA), a diversified energy and services company. Nova Scotia Power provides 95% of the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to approximately 540,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across Nova Scotia. The company is focused on new technologies to enhance customer service and reliability, reduce emissions, and add renewable energy. Nova Scotia Power has over 2,000 employees and $4.5 billion in operating assets. Learn more at www.nspower.ca.

Contact

Jacqueline Foster, Senior Communications Advisor

902-233-6015 | jacqueline.foster@nspower.ca