NS Power asks customers to conserve power during extreme cold, incoming Nor’easter

The Nova Scotia Power headquarters is seen in Halifax on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018.

Nova Scotia Power is asking customers to conserve power this weekend as the extremely low temperatures and incoming Nor’easter are expected to put significant pressure on the utility’s power system.

Bitterly cold air sourced from the polar vortex moved into the Maritimes Friday night, and will result in frigid conditions throughout the weekend.

With the extreme cold, Nova Scotia Power released a statement Saturday urging residents to conserve power especially during peak hours of the day, from 7 to 11 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m., as more energy is needed for people to heat their homes.

Nova Scotia Power says teams have been preparing all their power generating sites during the week to make sure they are producing as much power as possible.

On Friday, Maritime Electric issued a similar alert to customers on Prince Edward Island, saying demand is expected to be higher than usual and customers should be prepared to conserve energy is asked.

NB Power is asking the same of residents in New Brunswick.

HRM tells residents to prepare

In a post to Facebook on Saturday, Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) said it is continuing to monitor the ongoing cold snap and upcoming snowfall.

Much of the province is under a special weather statement as snow is expected to begin late Sunday evening continuing through to Tuesday morning. Snowfall amounts ranging from 20 to 40 cm are expected in some areas, according to CTV Meteorologist Kalin Mitchell.

The municipality says residents should monitor the forecast and take steps to prepare before the storm. Those recommendations include:

• Listen to local news and weather reports for information on changing weather conditions.
• Insulate walls and attics; install storm windows or cover windows with plastic.
• Make sure you have shovels and snow removal equipment handy.
• Have an alternative heat source, such as a fireplace, wood burning stove, or a generator, so you can keep one room in your home warm and livable.
• Keep fire extinguishers on-hand and make sure your family knows how to use them.
• Talk with your family about what you would do during a winter weather-related emergency, at home or in the car.
• Prepare your vehicle for winter weather and create an emergency kit for your vehicle. Keep the gas tank full. Always check local weather conditions before heading out on the road.
• Install snow fences in rural areas to reduce drifting snow on roads and paths, which could block access to homes, barns, and animals’ feed and water.
• Be prepared for secondary hazards such as power outage and flooding once snow melts.

More tips on winter storm preparation and fire safety during winter storms can be found on the HRM’s website.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page