Nova Scotia Power activating emergency operations centre ahead of incoming winter storm

Crews worked to retore power in Nova Scotia after a snowstorm. (Callum Smith/CTV News Atlantic)

Nova Scotia Power is activating its emergency operations centre ahead of a winter storm that is expected to land in the Maritimes this Sunday.

The centre allows the utility to coordinate its response to the storm. It also works closely with the Nova Scotia Emergency Management Office, according to a news release.

“Our team has been monitoring the weather and using that information to finalize plans so we’re ready to respond,” said Charlene MacMullin, Nova Scotia Power’s storm lead, in the release.

The utility, which saw tens of thousands of outages during a storm nearly two weeks ago, said it is spending $1.3 billion over five years to strengthen its electricity grid. It has also increased its spending on tree trimming from $25 million to $45 million in the last four years.

The utility is advising its roughly 550,000 customers to prepare an emergency kit ahead of the storm. People can report outages by calling 1-877-428-6004.

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