Port McNicoll Planned Outage – September 13, 2026: FAQs

We recognize that an 18-hour planned power outage is significant and requires affected customers to prepare in advance. We have heard several questions from the Port McNicoll community and have provided additional information below about why the outage is necessary, how the work has been planned, and what customers can do to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Port McNicoll planned outage needed?

The Port McNicoll Distribution Station, commissioned in 1969, is nearing the end of its service life and has not received major upgrades since installation. Planned replacement allows NT Power to complete this work in a controlled manner rather than waiting for aging equipment to fail unexpectedly.

A significant portion of the work during this outage involves connecting a temporary mobile substation and replacing several poles and wires along the supply feeder coming into the station. Once connected, this temporary equipment will allow NT Power to continue supplying electricity to Port McNicoll while the existing station is rebuilt over the approximately 2.5-month construction period, including:

Replacement of all major station equipment
Upgrades to the Hydro One supply line, including new poles and wires.

Project benefits include:

Improves reliability and service continuity for Port McNicoll customers.
Replaces aging, end-of-life station infrastructure with modern equipment.
Reduces the risk of equipment failures and unplanned outages.
Supports future system reliability and operational needs.

When will the planned outage take place?

The planned outage is set to begin on September 13, 2026, and end on September 14, 2026.

Start Time: 7:00 pm (19:00) on September 13th
End Time: 1:00 pm (13:00) on September 14th
Total Duration: 18 Hours

What area will be affected by the planned outage?

Almost all of Port McNicoll will be impacted, with one exception:

The feeder that heads down Triple Bay Road will not be affected.

Customers south of the Talbot intersection on Triple Bay Road will remain with power.

We will notify all affected customers directly and share updates on our social media channels.

To view the affected area please visit our outage map at ntpower.ca/outages

If you are still unsure whether your property will be affected, please contact us by visiting ntpower.ca/contact.

Why can't the planned outage be split into several small outages?

NT Power considered several approaches to completing this work, including dividing it into two separate extended outages of up to 12 hours each, for a total of up to 24 hours of planned interruption.

By deploying additional crews and completing multiple work activities simultaneously, we can complete this stage of the project during a single planned 18-hour outage.

This approach reduces the total planned outage time by up to six hours and avoids requiring customers to prepare for two separate extended interruptions.

How can I prepare for the planned outage?

We encourage customers to plan ahead by ensuring your household is equipped with the right information and tools. Learn more at GetPrepared.gc.ca.

Will the planned outage last longer than 18 hours? If the work is finished early, will my power be restored early? 

Customers should prepare to be without power for the full planned outage window, from 7:00 p.m. on September 13 until approximately 1:00 p.m. on September 14.

Our crews have developed the work plan to complete the required work within this window, including time for final safety checks and restoration activities. If the work can be safely completed sooner, power will be restored as soon as possible.

As with any major infrastructure work, unforeseen circumstances could affect the schedule. If there is a change to the expected restoration time, NT Power will provide updates to customers.

Why does the outage require an 18-hour window?

This is a significant infrastructure project involving work at multiple locations, including the connection of a temporary mobile substation and upgrades required to support the station rebuild. NT Power will have additional crews working on multiple activities simultaneously to complete the work as efficiently and safely as possible. Customers should prepare for the full planned outage window, although power will be restored as soon as the work can be safely completed.

What is NT Power doing to mitigate the length of the outage?

NT Power is deploying additional crews and coordinating multiple work activities to take place simultaneously at several locations. This allows work that might otherwise require separate outages to be completed during the same planned outage window.

Crews will work throughout the planned outage period to complete the work safely and restore power as soon as possible. 

What should I do about refrigerated or frozen food?

We recognize that food storage is a concern during an outage of this duration. Customers are encouraged to prepare in advance by limiting refrigerated purchases before the outage and considering coolers, ice or alternate refrigerated storage for perishable items.

Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible during the outage to help maintain cold temperatures.

For detailed food safety guidance during a power outage, customers should follow the recommendations provided by Health Canada and other public health authorities. 

 Learn more from Health Canada here.

What should I do if I rely on electricity for medical equipment or refrigerated medication?

Customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment, refrigerated medication or other electricity-dependent supports should make alternate arrangements in advance of the planned outage.

If you have concerns about the safe storage of medication, please speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice specific to your medication. 

How will I receive updates during the outage?

NT Power will provide updates through our website and social media channels if there are changes to the planned outage or expected restoration time.

Customers can also view current outage information through the NT Power outage map at ntpower.ca/outages, connect with us using our online chat at ntpower.ca, or by contacting us via ntpower.ca/contact 

What should I do if my power is still off after NT Power says the outage is over?

If your power remains off after NT Power announces that service has been restored to your area, please contact us at 1-888-735-4801.

Will NT Power provide compensation, a rebate, or bill credit for food spoilage, electricity not used, or other expenses during planned outage?

Customers are billed for electricity based in part on the amount of electricity they consume. During the planned outage, customers will not incur usage-based electricity charges for electricity that is not being consumed.

As outlined in our Conditions of Service, NT Power works to minimize inconvenience to customers and uses reasonable diligence and care to provide a continuous supply of electricity. However, planned interruptions are sometimes necessary to maintain or improve the distribution system.

NT Power provides reasonable advance notice of planned outages whenever possible. Compensation, rebates or bill credits are not provided as a result of a planned power interruption.

Will there be any further planned outages related to this project that I should be aware of?

A second planned outage will be required once the station rebuild is complete. This outage will allow crews to remove the temporary mobile substation and fully commission the upgraded Port McNicoll Distribution Station.

The second outage is currently expected around late November or early December 2026 and is anticipated to last approximately 8 to 10 hours. NT Power will provide affected customers with advance notice once the date and timing have been confirmed.