Utilities Kingston has announced a planned power outage for Saturday, March 25, 2023, affecting electricity customers in the CFB Kingston and Barriefield Village areas. The planned outage is necessary for the utility provider to make improvements to the electricity system in the area.
The planned outage will take place in two parts, with customers in the affected areas experiencing two one-hour outages. The first outage will begin at 8:00 a.m. and the second outage will begin between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. A map of the affected area can be found on the Utilities Kingston website at UtilitiesKingston.com.
The purpose of the planned outage is to allow workers to install new overhead electrical distribution lines and equipment on behalf of Kingston Hydro Corporation, the electricity distributor. For the safety of utility crews, equipment must be de-energized to complete the work.
Utilities Kingston is committed to managing and maintaining local infrastructure to ensure reliable utility services and to support the growth and development of the local community. The power outage is an essential part of this effort to maintain the infrastructure and ensure a reliable source of electricity for residents.
During the planned outage, customers are advised to take several precautions to help them and their families. These precautions include turning off appliances, ensuring that cellphones and extended battery packs are fully charged, and keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Customers are also advised to plan ahead and consider a source of backup power for important building systems, including sump pumps.
Customers should avoid using propane barbeques, camp stoves, or portable standby generators indoors, as they can generate dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If customers plan to use a generator, they should use it in a dry area outdoors, away from any open windows, doors, and vents. For more tips on using generators safely, customers can visit the Electrical Safety Authority at esasafe.com.
Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment are advised to make preparations in advance, such as having a backup phone that does not require electricity, an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) connected at all times, or alternative arrangements in place, such as staying with family or friends.
Utilities Kingston apologized for the inconvenience caused by the planned power outage and encourages customers to visit its website or call customer service at 613-546-0000, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for more information.