Welcome to New Brunswick, where the landscapes are breathtaking, the people are charming, and the power outages are a way of life in some areas. Whether it’s the aftermath of a raging nor’easter, the weight of freezing rain, or an overzealous squirrel, the lights can go out at a moment’s notice—sometimes for hours, sometimes for days. But in true New Brunswick fashion, we don’t just endure; we prepare, adapt, and light our candles with style.
Lights Out, Candles On
Why the Power Goes Out
Let’s get technical (but not too technical): power outages in New Brunswick are most often caused by nature’s unpredictable whims. Heavy snowstorms and ice buildup can snap power lines like twigs, while gale-force winds topple trees onto vital infrastructure. In summer, lightning strikes and high winds wreak havoc, while even our furry forest friends occasionally nibble their way into causing blackouts. Add in the occasional equipment failure, and you’ve got a recipe for darkness.
NB Power, the province’s electricity provider, is always at the ready. Their crews work tirelessly—through snowdrifts, rainstorms, and the dead of night—to restore power as quickly as possible. It’s a monumental task, especially given the province’s sprawling geography and rural pockets.
In November 2024, wet, heavy snowfall left around 40,000 customers without power across Fredericton, Miramichi, and the Upper River Valley, with 3,500 still affected the next day. A month later, a severe December storm brought high winds and heavy rain, causing outages for over 50,000 NB Power customers in central and southern regions, with peak wind speeds reaching 109 km/h at Fredericton Airport.
How to Prepare Like a Pro
Power outages might be inevitable, but being caught unprepared isn’t. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of a blackout:
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The Essentials Kit: Think of it as your power-outage survival pack. Stock up on flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and a manual can opener. Pro tip: Headlamps are a game-changer for hands-free lighting.
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Heat Matters: In winter, power outages can mean more than just an inconvenient chill. If you rely on electric heating, consider alternative sources like a wood stove, propane heater, or even heated blankets that run on battery packs.
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Stay Connected: A fully charged power bank can keep your phone alive, ensuring you’re not completely cut off. Bonus points if you invest in a solar charger.
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Cook Creatively: A camp stove or barbecue (used outdoors only) can turn your blackout into a culinary adventure. Who says you can’t make gourmet s’mores during a storm?
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Know Your Neighbours: Community spirit thrives during a power outage. Check in on vulnerable neighbours or pool resources for a communal meal by candlelight.
Embracing the Charm of the Blackout
Power outages in New Brunswick aren’t just about surviving; they’re an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. Break out the board games, dust off a deck of cards, or swap stories by candlelight. It’s a chance to step away from screens and experience a simpler kind of magic—the kind that’s illuminated by flickering flames and fuelled by good company.
So, the next time the lights flicker and fade, don’t panic. Channel your inner New Brunswicker: prepared, resourceful, and always ready to turn a blackout into a moment to remember. After all, in the land of forested beauty and coastal resilience, we’re nothing if not adaptable.
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