Stay Warm and Connected: Backup Power for Winter Storms in Halifax (HRM)

Introduction: Preparing Halifax for the Inevitable Winter Storm

For anyone living in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), the howl of the wind off the harbour and the sting of blowing ice are just part of another winter on the Atlantic coast. These are not ordinary weather events. They are stress tests for our infrastructure, our patience, and our level of preparedness.

Here in Halifax, a powerful winter storm is not a question of if, but when. With those storms come the near certainty of power outages that can last hours or even days. This guide goes beyond the usual advice to stock up on candles and blankets. It is a Halifax and HRM-focused manual for securing reliable backup power, so your home or business stays safe, warm, and functional when the grid goes dark.

The Halifax Winter Reality: Why Backup Power Matters

“Inclement Weather” in Nova Scotia: More Than a Forecast

In Nova Scotia, calling winter storms “inclement weather” barely scratches the surface. Our coastal position makes HRM a prime target for:

• Nor’easters carrying heavy, wet snow and 100+ km/h winds
• Ice storms that coat power lines and tree branches
• Windstorms that topple poles and snap lines
• Storm surges that damage coastal grid infrastructure

Environment Canada warnings are not background noise. When a meteorologist calls for a major system, residents from Halifax and Dartmouth to Bedford, Sackville, and the Eastern Shore know it is time to prepare. With older overhead infrastructure and rapidly changing weather patterns, outages can stretch from a few hours to several days.

History Repeats: Lessons from Past Storms

Most Haligonians remember major events like the 2004 blizzard “White Juan,” which buried streets and left many without power for more than a week. More recent storms have reinforced the same message. Our power grid is vulnerable, especially when heavy snow, ice, and high winds hit simultaneously. These storms are not just memories. They are case studies proving that waiting until the lights flicker is too late to think about backup power.

Vulnerable Infrastructure: When the Grid Fails

Much of HRM and wider Nova Scotia still relies on above-ground power lines. These lines are highly susceptible to:

• Falling trees and branches
• Ice and heavy snow accumulation
• High winds and coastal salt spray

A single downed pole can take out an entire street or community. When power outages are widespread, repair crews must work in hazardous conditions and challenging terrain. Restoration times extend, and thousands of customers are left waiting for updates that may be delayed or incomplete.

Why Local Preparedness Matters in HRM

Beyond “Emergency Services”

During a major storm, municipal resources are stretched thin. Public Works crews focus on clearing major roads and protecting critical infrastructure. Hospitals and emergency services rely on their own backup systems and protocols.

Their priority is public safety at a community level, not the power supply to individual homes or businesses. True resilience in HRM means building a level of self-sufficiency within your own property. A reliable backup power system is one of the most effective ways to protect your family, your home, and, in many cases, your livelihood.

The Importance of Timely Information

Before a storm, staying informed is critical:

• Monitor Environment Canada alerts and local news
• Sign up for municipal text and email alerts
• Track school closures, transit updates, and road conditions

However, once the power goes out, communication can quickly become difficult. Cell towers may lose backup power, routers die when the electricity cuts off, and your ability to receive updates disappears. A backup power system that can keep your modem, router, phones, and radios charged ensures you stay connected to emergency information when it matters most.

What Really Happens When the Power Goes Out in Winter

Without backup power, the impact of an outage in HRM can escalate quickly.

• Loss of heat: The furnace or heat pump stops, and indoor temperatures can drop to unsafe levels, putting families, seniors, and pets at risk.
• Medical risks: Electrically powered medical equipment such as oxygen machines, mobility aids, or CPAP units may stop working unless you have an alternate power or battery backup.
• Frozen and burst pipes: As the cold seeps into the home, standing water in pipes can freeze, expand, and crack plumbing. Repairs can be extremely expensive once power is restored.
• Food spoilage: Refrigerators and freezers begin warming within hours, leading to spoiled food and unnecessary waste.
• Business shutdowns: For businesses, outages often mean immediate closure, cancelled appointments, lost revenue, and disruption to operations.
• Security and communication failures: Security systems, alarms, and cameras go offline. Laptops, phones, and modems run out of battery, cutting access to emergency alerts, remote work, and communication with family, clients, or staff.

In HRM’s harsh coastal winters, losing power is not just an inconvenience. It can quickly become a serious safety and financial risk.

Assessing Your Home’s Power Needs in an Outage

Before you choose a backup power system, you need to understand what you actually want and need to run during an outage.

Essentials vs Comfort: Setting Priorities

Start with two lists:

Essentials (must have for safety and survival):

• Heating system (furnace fan, boiler controls, or heat pump)
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Well pump (if you are on a well)
• Sump pump, if applicable
• Essential medical equipment
• Basic lighting in key rooms

Comfort and convenience (nice to have):

• Additional lights
• Microwave, kettle, or coffee maker
• Internet modem and router
• Phone and laptop chargers
• TV or streaming devices

Knowing what belongs on each list helps you decide how much power you really need and which type of backup system is right for you.

Calculating Wattage Requirements

Every appliance has two wattage ratings:

• Running watts: Power consumed during normal operation
• Starting watts: Extra power required to start motors and compressors

To size your generator or battery system:

1. Add up the running watts of all the essential items you plan to run at the same time.
2. Identify the single highest starting watt requirement among those items.
3. Add that highest starting watt number to your total running watts.

This gives you a practical estimate of the minimum capacity you need so your system can handle startup surges without tripping breakers.

Planning for Multi-Day Outages

Halifax storms can easily trigger outages lasting several days, especially in rural or coastal areas. Your backup power solution needs to sustain essential loads for the long haul.

• Fuel-based generators: Consider fuel consumption, safe storage, and how much fuel you can realistically have on hand.
• Battery systems: Understand the total capacity (in kWh) and how long the battery can run your essential circuits before needing a recharge from solar or a generator.

Top Backup Power Solutions for Halifax and HRM Homes

With your power needs defined, you can compare the main backup power options and choose the one that best fits your home, budget, and comfort level.

1. Portable Generators: Flexible and Budget Friendly

Portable generators are a common entry-level solution:

• Lower upfront cost than standby systems
• Can power key items such as a furnace blower, fridge, freezer, some lights, and chargers
• Useful for cottages and rural properties where basic coverage is enough

However, they:

• Require manual setup and refuelling
• Typically run on gasoline
• They are noisier than standby systems
• Must be used outdoors only, far from windows and doors

In HRM, portable units are a practical choice for cottages around St. Margaret’s Bay, Musquodoboit Harbour, and the Eastern Shore, or for urban homes that rely heavily on woodstoves and just need limited electrical support. Generac’s GP and iQ portable series are popular for their reliability and relatively quiet operation, but they still require hands-on management during a storm.

2. Standby Generators: Automatic Whole Home Protection

For many HRM homeowners, a Generac Guardian Series standby generator is the preferred solution for full protection and convenience.

These systems:

• They are permanently installed outside the home
• Connect directly to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch
• Detect an outage, start automatically, and restore power within seconds
• Can power your furnace or heat pump, appliances, lights, outlets, and internet
• Run on natural gas or propane for long-duration outages

Standby generators are ideal for:

• Halifax Peninsula and older Dartmouth homes that lose power frequently
• Rural HRM properties are at high risk of multi-day outages
• Families with medical equipment that must never lose power
• Homes with heat pumps or electric heating systems

In short, they provide seamless, “hands-off” protection. When the grid fails at 3 a.m. in the middle of a blizzard, your generator takes over without you having to step outside.

3. Battery Backup Systems: Quiet and Clean

Battery backup systems offer a silent, emission-free option:

• Small UPS units can keep computers and routers running long enough to save work and stay online during short outages.
• Larger home battery systems (such as Tesla Powerwall and similar products) can power essential circuits for many hours at a time.
• Power is instantaneous, with no flicker when the grid cuts out.

While battery systems often have a higher upfront cost and limited runtime compared with a fueled generator, they shine when paired with solar panels for daytime recharging. For some HRM homeowners, especially those focused on clean energy, a hybrid of solar, battery storage, and a small generator can be an excellent long-term solution.

Why HRM Residents Trust Generac Generators

Generac has become the number one backup power brand in Atlantic Canada, and that popularity is closely tied to how well these systems handle our winter conditions.

Built for Cold Weather

Generac standby units are designed to perform in severe cold. Many units include:

• Engine block heaters
• Cold weather kits
• Battery warmers
• Automatic sensors and self-test modes

This equipment helps ensure your generator starts reliably even when temperatures plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius or below.

Propane and Natural Gas Ready

In HRM, some neighbourhoods have natural gas service, while many suburban and rural areas rely on propane. Generac offers dual-fuel models that can run on either fuel type, giving you flexibility to choose what is most reliable and accessible where you live.

This versatility:

• Eliminates long lineups at gas stations during outages
• Removes the need to store large amounts of gasoline on site
• Avoids problems with gasoline degrading or gelling in extreme cold

Paired with an automatic transfer switch, a Generac standby system will detect the outage, start, and power your home from your chosen fuel source within seconds.

Local Expertise Matters: Pevco Electric in HRM

One of the most trusted local experts for Generac installation and maintenance in HRM is Pevco Electric, a certified Generac dealer serving:

• Halifax and Dartmouth
• Bedford and Sackville
• Fall River and Beaver Bank
• Eastern Passage, Cole Harbour, and nearby communities

Choosing a local, certified installer offers significant advantages:

• Faster on-site assessments
• Installation tailored to Atlantic Canadian weather and local codes
• Ongoing maintenance and service from electricians who understand HRM’s coastal climate and grid conditions

From properly sizing your generator to installing the automatic transfer switch and handling gas or propane connections, Pevco Electric ensures your system is set up safely, efficiently, and ready for the next storm.

Choosing the Right Generac Solution: Three Typical HRM Profiles

Most HRM customers fall into one of three categories when selecting a Generac system.

1. Homeowners Who Want Full Protection

Typically choosing: Generac Guardian Series standby generator

Best for:

• Primary homes on the Halifax Peninsula
• Older neighborhoods in Dartmouth where outages are common
• Rural HRM, where power can be out for days
• Families with young children, seniors, or medical equipment
• Homes relying on heat pumps or electric furnaces

These systems:

• Turn on automatically
• Power most or all of your home
• Run on propane or natural gas
• Can operate for days or weeks with a proper fuel supply

2. Small Businesses That Cannot Afford Downtime

From Spring Garden Road shops and Bedford clinics to Dartmouth offices, Sackville restaurants, and Timberlea salons, HRM businesses face serious risks when the power fails:

• Food spoilage in restaurants and cafés
• Lost sales and cancelled appointments
• Frozen pipes and damage to premises
• Security systems, cameras, and alarms are going offline
• Network and payment terminals are shutting down

A Generac Commercial Series generator (typically 22–150 kW) can keep:

• Payment systems and point of sale terminals running
• Refrigeration and freezers are cold
• Heat and ventilation are active
• Security systems online
• Staff and customers are safe and comfortable

For many businesses, backup power is not a luxury. It is a core part of their continuity plan.

3. Homeowners Who Need a Lower Cost Option

Some HRM residents primarily need:

• A furnace blower or boiler controls are powered
• A fridge and freezer kept cold
• A few lights and chargers
• A sump pump runs if necessary

For these situations, a Generac portable generator can be a cost-effective solution. It does require manual fueling and setup, but it can provide a reliable bridge through shorter outages or supplement a woodstove-based heating strategy.

Safety First: Using Backup Power the Right Way

Any backup power system, particularly fuel-burning generators, must be operated with strict safety precautions.

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by running fuel engines.

• Never operate a generator inside a home, garage, shed, or enclosed porch.
• Place portable units outside, at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and vents.
• Point the exhaust away from buildings.
• Install and regularly test CO alarms on every level of your home.

Fuel Storage and Handling

For gasoline-powered portable generators:

• Store fuel only in approved containers.
• Keep containers outside your living areas and away from ignition sources.
• Never refuel a hot or running generator. Always allow it to cool first.

For propane systems:

• Have tanks installed and inspected by qualified professionals.
• Follow all safety guidelines for tank placement and clearances.

Electrical Safety and Backfeed Prevention

Never plug a portable generator into a household wall outlet. This dangerous practice, called backfeeding, can:

• Send power back through utility lines
• Put line workers at risk of electrocution
• Damage your home’s electrical system

The only safe way to connect a generator to your home’s wiring is through a properly installed transfer switch, configured by a licensed electrician.

Installation, Maintenance, and Readiness

A backup power system is only as reliable as its installation and upkeep.

Professional Installation

Any system tied into your home’s electrical panel, including:

• Standby generators
• Most whole-home battery systems

A licensed electrician should always install your Generac generator. Professional installation ensures:

• Correct sizing and circuit selection
• Proper transfer switch setup
• Code-compliant gas or propane connections
• Safe, reliable operation when the power fails

Pevco Electric provides full-service installation for Generac systems across HRM, from initial assessment to final testing and walkthrough.

Routine Maintenance

Think of your generator as your personal piece of critical infrastructure. It requires:

• Monthly test runs (about 15 to 20 minutes)
• Scheduled oil and filter changes
• Periodic inspections of connections, battery, and enclosure

Most standby Generac units can be set to run an automatic self-test weekly. An annual maintenance plan with a certified technician, such as the team at Pevco Electric, is the best way to ensure your generator is always ready.

Fuel Management

For portable generators:

• Use a fuel stabilizer if you store gasoline for long periods.
• Rotate stored fuel regularly.
• Remember that gas stations may be offline during major outages.

For standby systems:

• Propane tanks should be sized to provide several days of runtime at typical loads.
• Natural gas connections provide a continuous fuel supply in many urban and suburban areas.

Pre-Storm and Winter Preparedness for Halifax Residents

Backup power is a cornerstone of winter preparedness, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.

Pre-Storm Backup Power Checklist

Before a major snowstorm or wind event:

• Test your generator and ensure it starts properly.
• Confirm your standby unit is set to “Auto.”
• Clear snow, ice, and debris away from the generator enclosure for proper airflow.
• Check fuel levels and top up propane or ensure gas cans are full and stored safely.
• Lay out heavy-duty extension cords if you are using a portable generator.

Staying Warm and Conserving Heat

Even with backup power, HRM winters demand smart heat management:

1. Seal off unused rooms to focus heat where your family is spending time.
2. Insulate windows with curtains, blankets, or window film during high winds and extreme cold.
3. Keep a warm clothing kit with thermal layers, wool socks, hats, gloves, and emergency blankets.

Communication and Emergency Supplies

Every Halifax household should have at least a 72-hour emergency kit, including:

• Non-perishable food
• Minimum four litres of water per person per day
• Manual can opener
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• First aid kit and necessary medications
• Battery-powered or hand-cranked radio
• Fully charged power banks for phones and small device

For businesses, add:

• Flashlights for staff
• Backup batteries for POS terminals
• Printed emergency procedures
• Emergency contact and communication lists

Business Continuity in HRM: Why Backup Power Is Non-Negotiable

For HRM businesses, winter outages can quickly translate into serious operational and financial losses:

• Restaurants and cafés: Food spoilage, frozen pipes, lost revenue, staff safety concerns.
• Clinics, dentists, and medical offices: Risk to sensitive equipment, refrigerated vaccines and medications, and patient care schedules.
• Offices and agencies: Loss of internet, stalled operations, missed deadlines, and security systems going offline.
• Retail stores: Payment terminals shut down, customers turned away, and potential inventory loss.

A properly sized Generac commercial generator keeps critical systems online so your business can continue serving customers, protecting assets, and maintaining revenue even when the rest of the block is dark.

Why Generac and Pevco Electric Are a Smart Investment for HRM

Generac generators are engineered specifically with harsh climates in mind. For HRM residents, that means:

• Dependable performance in freezing rain, coastal winds, and heavy snow
• Automatic startup and seamless power transfer when the grid fails
• Models that can support everything from a few essentials to entire homes and large commercial spaces
• Local expert installation, maintenance, and support from Pevco Electric

With a Generac generator installed by Pevco Electric, you can stop worrying about:

• Losing heat in the middle of the night
• Pipes freezing and bursting
• Food spoiling in your fridge and freezer
• Business closures and lost income
• Being cut off from communication and emergency information

Instead, you gain confidence that your home or business will stay warm, lit, and connected, no matter what Halifax winter throws your way.

Conclusion: Invest in Power Independence Before the Next Storm

Living in the Halifax Regional Municipality means accepting that severe winter weather and power outages are part of life. But being without heat, light, and essential systems does not have to be.

By:

• Understanding your household or business power needs
• Choosing the right backup solution, whether portable, standby, or battery-based
• Prioritizing safety, professional installation, and regular maintenance

Partnering with a trusted local expert like Pevco Electric, you can turn a stressful, potentially dangerous outage into a manageable inconvenience.

A Generac generator is more than a piece of equipment. It is an investment in your family’s safety, comfort, and peace of mind, and in your business’s ability to operate through whatever storms the Atlantic sends our way.

For professional advice, installation, and maintenance of Generac generators in HRM, contact Pevco Electric to discuss the right backup power solution for your home or business and be ready before the next winter storm hits.