Quick answer
The BC Hydro outage map is where you check whether BC Hydro is already aware of an outage. You can search by "Near me" or by address, or switch to the list view. The outage table shows the area, outage cause, customers affected, crew status and estimated time on. If your outage isn't listed, report it by calling 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376), using the mobile code *HYDRO (*49376), or logging in to report it online. A downed or damaged power line is an emergency: stay back at least 10 metres and call 911.
When the lights go out, the first thing most people in Surrey do is grab a phone and look for the BC Hydro outage map. BC Hydro's own wording is "Check the outage map to see if we're aware of the outage." This guide walks through what the map shows, how to read the details for an outage, how to report one that isn't listed, and what to do while you wait.
How to open the BC Hydro outage map
BC Hydro publishes the latest outage updates in two views:
- Outage map: Open the outage map page on bchydro.com. You can search by "Near me" or by address.
- Outage list: BC Hydro also has an outage list page, and the map page offers a list view.
All times listed on the map are Pacific Time.
Tip: Bookmark the outage map on your phone before storm season so you can find it quickly when the power is out.
What the outage details show
The outage details are laid out as a table. The columns are:
- Area
- Outage cause
- Customers affected
- Off since
- Crew status: BC Hydro says the status changes to "crew on their way" once a crew is heading to the outage, and to "crew on site" when they arrive.
- Estimated arrival
- Estimated time on (the estimated time of restoration, or ETR)
If a status on the map isn't clear, BC Hydro has an outage status definition list that explains what each status means.
How the estimated time of restoration is set
According to BC Hydro, crews first assess the damage to work out what repairs are needed. After that assessment, crews provide an estimated time of restoration, which is posted on BC Hydro's outage tracking. BC Hydro says "unexpected challenges or other variables can impact these estimates," so an ETR can change.
Repairs take different amounts of time. BC Hydro gives one example: replacing a broken power pole can take up to eight hours. When it is possible, crews use "switching" to temporarily route customers to other circuits during a lengthy repair.
During major storms or emergencies, BC Hydro restores power in this order: safety risks first (such as downed lines), then critical services like hospitals, fire and police stations and water systems, then the largest outages, then smaller outages, neighbourhood by neighbourhood and then individual homes. BC Hydro notes this can mean a newer outage affecting many more people may be tackled before an older outage in a smaller neighbourhood.
If your outage isn't on the map yet
If your power is out and you don't see it on the map or list, report it. There are three ways:
- Phone: Call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376).
- Mobile code: Use *HYDRO (*49376) from a mobile phone.
- Online: Log in to BC Hydro's customer portal to report the outage online.
Safety: BC Hydro says a downed or damaged power line is an emergency. Always assume a downed, sagging, low-hanging or damaged power line is live, even if it isn't sparking or making any sound. Stay back at least 10 metres (33 feet), about the length of a city bus, and dial 911. Keep others away and never touch the line or anything that is touching it.
If a vehicle has hit a power line or pole: BC Hydro says that if you can safely drive out from under the line or away from the source of electricity, do so, travel about 10 metres (the length of a bus) before stopping, and then dial 911. If you must get out, jump out and away from the vehicle without touching the door and the ground at the same time, land with your feet together, then shuffle with your feet together and touching until you are at least 10 metres away. Then call 911.
Planned outages
Not every outage is a surprise. BC Hydro lists planned outages in its outage list two weeks before the scheduled date. They typically happen Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., because BC Hydro says the work must be done during daylight hours to keep crews and the public safe.
If your address is affected, BC Hydro mails a postcard with the outage details to the service address. MyHydro account holders also get an email or an automated phone message if their contact information is current. If you rent, ask whoever receives mail at the property whether a postcard arrived, since it goes to the service address.
What to do while you wait
These tips come from BC Hydro's "during an outage" page.
- Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. BC Hydro says a full fridge can keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer can keep food frozen for up to 48 hours, and a half-full freezer for about 24 hours.
- Turn off electric heaters and major appliances. This reduces the load on the system when power comes back.
- Leave one light on inside and one outside. BC Hydro suggests turning off all other lights so you and its crews know when power is back.
- Only run a portable generator outdoors, in a location where the exhaust can't enter your home. Never plug a generator into a household outlet.
- Check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially those that are elderly.
To get ready before an outage, BC Hydro suggests a kit with two litres of bottled water per person per day and a three-day supply of non-perishable, ready-to-eat food for each person. For storm-season basics, see our atmospheric river prep guide. If an alarm is beeping at home, see the smoke and CO alarm guide.
Surrey, Langley, Delta and White Rock
On the outage map you can search by "Near me" or by address, so you can look up your own street in Surrey, Langley, Delta or White Rock. Check the area column to see whether a listed outage is the one affecting you.
For Surrey-specific reporting steps, see the Surrey power outage guide. For Langley, see the Langley power outage guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the BC Hydro outage map status mean?
BC Hydro says the status changes to "crew on their way" when a crew is heading to the outage and to "crew on site" when they arrive. For any other status, BC Hydro has an outage status definition list that explains what it means. The estimated time of restoration is provided after crews assess the damage.
Why is my house dark when the outage map shows nothing nearby?
The outage may not have been reported or listed yet. Call 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376), use *HYDRO (*49376) from a mobile, or log in to report it online.
Do I need to log in to report an outage online?
BC Hydro's outage page says to log in to report an outage online. You can also report by phone at 1-800-BCHYDRO (1-800-224-9376) or by mobile code *HYDRO (*49376).
Do all times on the outage map use Pacific Time?
Yes. BC Hydro states that all times listed on the outage map are Pacific Time.
How do I find out about planned outages before they happen?
Planned outages appear in BC Hydro's outage list two weeks before the scheduled date. BC Hydro mails a postcard to the service address, and MyHydro account holders also get an email or automated phone message if their contact information is current.
What do I do about a downed power line?
Dial 911 and tell them a power line has fallen or is damaged. Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) back, keep others away, and never touch the line or anything touching it.
Official sources
- BC Hydro — Power outages
- BC Hydro — Outage map
- BC Hydro — Planned outages
- BC Hydro — During a power outage
- BC Hydro — How power is restored
- BC Hydro — Prepare your home for an outage
- BC Hydro — Safe distance from downed power lines
- BC Hydro — Motor vehicle accidents involving power lines
General information only, not professional advice. Rules and prices change, so check the official sources above before you act. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.