Why does my power blink off for a second then come back?

Brief power blinks (lasting 1-3 seconds) are typically caused by Hydro Ottawa's protective equipment responding to temporary faults on the electrical grid, such as tree branches touching power lines or equipment automatically resetting after detecting an issue.

When you experience these momentary power interruptions, the most common cause is the electrical grid's protective systems doing their job. Hydro Ottawa uses devices called reclosers and sectionalizers that automatically shut off power when they detect a fault (like a tree branch hitting a power line), then quickly restore it once the fault clears. This prevents longer outages and protects equipment from damage.

Weather-related causes are especially common in Ottawa. Wind can cause tree branches to sway into power lines, creating temporary contact that triggers the protective equipment. Ice storms, heavy snow, or even small animals contacting transformers can cause similar brief interruptions. These automatic systems are designed to "blink" the power rather than cause extended outages.

Internal electrical issues in your home can also cause power blinks, though these are less common. A failing main breaker, loose connections in your electrical panel, or an overloaded circuit might cause brief interruptions. However, if the issue was inside your home, you'd likely notice it affecting only certain circuits rather than your entire house, and your neighbors wouldn't experience the same blinks.

When to be concerned: If power blinks are happening frequently (multiple times per week), lasting longer than a few seconds, or accompanied by flickering lights when large appliances start up, this could indicate a problem with your electrical panel or service connection. Burning smells, sparking, or warm electrical panels require immediate attention from a licensed electrician.

What you can do: Check if your neighbors are experiencing the same power blinks - if they are, it's definitely a Hydro Ottawa grid issue. Reset any digital clocks and check that sensitive electronics like computers weren't affected. Consider investing in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) for critical electronics if blinks are frequent in your area.

If the power blinks are isolated to your home or happening very frequently, contact Electrical Ottawa for an electrical system inspection. Our ESA-licensed electricians can check your panel, service connection, and main breaker to ensure everything is functioning safely. For widespread outages affecting your neighborhood, report them to Hydro Ottawa at 613-738-6400.