Staying prepared throughout the year helps protect your home, family, and community. Each season brings unique challenges, and a few simple steps can make a big difference in staying safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient.
Fall/Winter Preparation Tips
Be ready for the season ahead with these safety and preparedness tips. Taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid unexpected costs, inconveniences, and risks when the cold weather arrives.
- Storm season can mean outages. Check that your emergency kit is stocked and have a plan in case an outage lasts for an extended time. Are you prepared?
- Downed powerlines are dangerous. Stay at least 10 metres (33 feet) away from any downed line and always call to report it.
- Decorating or gutter cleaning? Keep ladders and tools at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from overhead powerlines.
- Think you know powerline safety? Test yourself with our quiz!
- Replace furnace filters, clean vents, and schedule maintenance to ensure your heating system runs safely and efficiently
- Generator safety: Never use a generator indoors or near windows and vents. Visit the ESA website for electrical safety resources.
- Seal drafts around doors and windows to keep heat in and lower energy costs. Learn about Save on Energy programs that can help you improve efficiency.
(Entegrus bills on behalf of the City of St. Thomas, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and the Village of Newbury)
- Prevent frozen pipes: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, swimming pools and sprinkler lines; shut off inside valves; open the outside taps to drain; and insulate water pipes in unheated spaces.
- Close and seal crawl space vents before cold weather.
- Entegrus does not recommend thawing frozen pipes yourself. If you suspect your pipes have frozen, contact a certified plumber to discuss your best plan of action.
- Know where your water meter and shut-off valves are so you can act quickly in an emergency. If you cannot access your shut-off valve, contact us for assistance.
- Inspect your water heater for leaks or corrosion to prevent unexpected breakdowns in cold weather.
- Prevent frozen pipes: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, swimming pools and sprinkler lines; shut off inside valves; open the outside taps to drain; and insulate water pipes in unheated spaces.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms before heating season begins.
- Stock essentials: Flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and any medications you may need. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials such as a blanket, flashlight, booster cables, water, and snacks.
- Reverse ceiling fan direction to push warm air down in winter.
- Clear leaves and debris from storm drains near your property to reduce the risk of localized flooding.
- Check on neighbours and family members during severe weather, especially older adults or those with health concerns.
- Vacation Tip: If you’ll be away, set your heat no lower than 13°C (55°F) to prevent frozen pipes.
- Rates are set by the Ontario Energy Board annually and take effect November 1. Time-of-Use and Tiered rate plans also switch to winter hours and thresholds.
- Review your current rate plan in My Account to ensure you’re on the best option with our Rate Plan Comparison Tool. (Select ‘Smart Meter,’ then Price Comparison Tab)
- Learn about your rate plan options on our Customer Choice webpage
- Learn about Energy Assistance programs available
- Consider Pre-Authorized Payments with Budget Billing to help manage and predict your monthly charges.