BC Hydro Power Outage in Surrey: How to Check the Map, Report It and Stay Safe

Power outages happen in Surrey because of wind storms, trees on lines, car crashes into poles, and even animals in equipment. Some end in minutes. Others can last days after a major storm.

This guide covers the outage map, reporting, food and generator safety, downed lines and damage claims. All information comes from BC Hydro, Health Canada and FortisBC, checked on September 25, 2026.

Step 1: Check if the outage is only in your home

1. Look at your breaker panel or fuse box. A tripped breaker can make it look like the power is out. If only one part of your home is dark, this is the most likely cause.
2. Look outside. If street lights and neighbours' homes are also dark, it is probably a wider outage.
3. Apartment or condo? If the outage is only in your unit, BC Hydro asks you to report it to your building manager or owner.

Step 2: Check the BC Hydro outage map or list

BC Hydro has a searchable outage list and an outage map on bchydro.com. Both work in a phone browser. You can search by location or address. The list has separate tabs for current, planned and restored outages.

Each outage shows a status. Here is what the main ones mean, based on BC Hydro's definitions:

• No crew assigned: a crew has not been assigned yet.
• Crew assigned: your outage is on a crew's list.
• Crew on their way: a crew is travelling to investigate.
• Crew on-site: the crew is finding the cause. An estimated time of restoration (ETR) should come soon.
• Suspended: the crew needs different equipment, materials or more people.

An ETR is only an estimate and can change, especially in a major storm. BC Hydro also posts updates on X at @BCHydro.

Step 3: Report the outage if it is not listed

If you do not see your outage, report it in one of these ways:

• Call 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376)
• Dial *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile phone
• Log in to your MyHydro account and report it online

Renters: you can still report an outage by phone without a BC Hydro account number. When asked for an account number, stay on the line and you will be connected to an agent.

Saw a bright flash or heard a loud bang before the power went out? Call and tell BC Hydro. It helps crews find the cause.

What to do during a power outage

BC Hydro asks customers to do these things while the power is out:

• Turn off electric heaters and major appliances.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them.
• Turn off all lights except one inside and one outside, so you and the crews know when power is back.
• Check on family, friends and neighbours, especially older people.
• In cold weather, keep doors and windows closed. Watch for news about warming centres.
• Use LED candles or flashlights. If you use real candles, use proper holders, keep them away from kids and pets, and never leave them alone.
• Save phone battery: use sleep mode, turn on Airplane mode, and lower the screen brightness.

Fridge and freezer food safety

Keep the fridge and freezer doors closed. Health Canada gives these times:

After the outage, Health Canada says:

• Food that still has ice crystals or feels refrigerator-cold can be re-frozen.
• Throw away any food that has been at room temperature for 2 or more hours.
• Throw away food with an unusual colour or smell. Unsafe food does not always look or smell bad.
• Do not put frozen food outside, even in winter. Animals can get into it, and the sun can thaw it.
• If the outage will be long, ask someone who has power if you can store food in their fridge or freezer.

Generators and carbon monoxide safety

Fuel-burning generators make carbon monoxide (CO). You cannot see, smell or taste CO, and it can kill.

If your CO alarm sounds, Health Canada says to leave your home right away and call 9-1-1 once outside. Install at least one CO alarm with battery backup in the hallway outside sleeping areas.

If you smell natural gas

Downed power lines and car crashes

When a line touches the ground, electricity spreads through the ground like ripples in water. BC Hydro says the voltage drops to zero at around 10 metres.

• Never touch or try to move a downed line.
• Stay away from anything touching the line, like a tree, car or fence.
• Keep other people back at least a bus-length away.
• If someone gets a shock and may still be touching the electricity source, do not touch them. Stay back 10 metres and call 911.

If your car hits a power pole: BC Hydro says to drive away at least 10 metres before stopping, if you can do it safely, then call 911. If you cannot drive, stay inside the vehicle and call 911, unless there is a fire. If you must get out because of fire, jump clear without touching the car and the ground at the same time, land with your feet together, and shuffle away with your feet touching until you are at least 10 metres away.

How BC Hydro decides which outages to fix first

During big storms, BC Hydro restores power in this order:

1. Anything that is a risk to public safety, such as downed lines.
2. Critical services, such as hospitals, fire and police stations, and municipal water systems.
3. The largest outages, to bring back the most customers quickly.
4. Smaller neighbourhoods, then individual homes.

So a newer, larger outage may be fixed before an older, smaller one. Replacing a broken pole can take up to eight hours.

After the power comes back

• Do not turn on your heating and many appliances all at once. This gives the system time to stabilize.
• Reset clocks and restock your emergency kit.
• Still no power after your outage leaves the list? Check your breakers, then call 1 800 BCHYDRO.

Can you claim for spoiled food or damaged electronics?

Usually not. BC Hydro says it does not guarantee a constant supply of electricity. It does not pay for damage from storms, lightning, fallen trees, animals, voltage irregularities, unexpected equipment failure, emergencies or accidents. It also does not pay for lost food or income from planned outages. Damage from a vehicle hitting a pole goes to ICBC.

BC Hydro may consider a claim if its own crew damaged your property. You must keep damaged items and provide original repair bills or estimates, and it only pays depreciated or market value. Check your home or tenant insurance too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official sources

• Outage list — BC Hydro
• Outage map — BC Hydro
• What to do during a power outage — BC Hydro
• How power is restored — BC Hydro
• Safe distance from downed power lines — BC Hydro
• Motor vehicle accidents involving power lines — BC Hydro
• Claims for damages — BC Hydro
• Food and drinking water safety in an emergency — Health Canada
• Carbon monoxide: Preventing exposure — Health Canada
• Gas leaks and odours — FortisBC

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.