Emergency Electrician in Pickering: What to Do When the Power Goes Out

By Pickering Electrician — ESA-licensed electrical contractor serving Pickering, Ajax, Whitby & Durham Region.

A sudden power loss is stressful, especially in the middle of a Durham Region winter storm. Before you call for help, a few quick checks can tell you whether you're dealing with a wider utility outage or a problem specific to your home — and knowing the difference helps you get the right kind of help faster.

Step 1: Check If It's a Utility Outage

Look outside — are your neighbours' lights also out? If so, this is very likely a utility-side outage rather than a problem with your home's electrical system. You can check Elexicon Energy's outage map or call their outage reporting line for updates. In this case, an electrician generally cannot restore power faster than the utility crew, though a licensed electrician can help if you want backup power for the next event — see our guide on home generator installation.

Step 2: Check Your Panel

If your neighbours have power and you don't, head to your electrical panel:

• Look for a tripped breaker — it will appear in a middle position rather than fully on or off
• Reset it once by switching it fully off, then back on
• If it trips again immediately, do not keep resetting it — this signals a short circuit or overload that needs professional diagnosis

Step 3: Identify a True Emergency

Some situations require immediate professional help rather than troubleshooting on your own:

• Burning smell near outlets, switches, or the panel
• Sparking from an outlet or switch
• Visible scorch marks or melted plastic around an outlet or panel
• Buzzing sounds from the panel or walls
• A breaker that won't stay reset after one attempt
• Water intrusion near electrical panels or outlets, common after flooding near Frenchman's Bay or low-lying areas of Pickering
• Downed power lines — stay well away and call the utility and 911 immediately; never attempt to move a downed line yourself

If you see active flames or heavy smoke, evacuate immediately and call 911 before anything else.

Step 4: What to Do While You Wait for an Electrician

1. If it's safe, shut off power to the affected circuit or the main breaker
2. Unplug sensitive electronics to protect them from potential surges when power is restored
3. Keep the affected area clear, especially if there's any sign of water or smoke
4. Have a flashlight ready rather than candles, which pose an additional fire risk during an already unstable situation

What an Emergency Electrician Will Do

A licensed emergency electrician will safely assess the cause of the issue — whether that's a failed breaker, a wiring fault, a panel problem, or a service connection issue — and make the necessary repair or stabilize the situation until a full repair can be scheduled. For recurring issues, a broader evaluation such as our electrical safety inspection may be recommended to catch related problems before they cause another outage.

Preventing Future Emergencies

Many electrical emergencies trace back to an aging panel, outdated wiring, or a system that's simply outgrown the home's electrical demands. If this is a recurring issue in your Pickering or Ajax home, it may be time to look at a panel upgrade or address common electrical problems in older homes before the next emergency call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a power outage is a utility issue or my home's electrical system?

Check if neighbouring homes also have no power. If so, it's likely a utility outage — check Elexicon Energy's outage map. If only your home is affected, the issue is likely internal and worth a call to a licensed electrician.

What should I do if I smell burning near my electrical panel?

If safe, turn off the main breaker, evacuate the area, and call an emergency electrician immediately. If you see flames or heavy smoke, evacuate and call 911 first.

Is it safe to reset a breaker that keeps tripping?

Resetting it once is generally fine. If it trips again immediately or repeatedly, stop resetting it and have a licensed electrician diagnose the cause.