As the temperature drops across Manitoba, our electrical systems work overtime. Heating equipment, lighting, and power-hungry systems all compete for capacity — and if your building isn’t ready, the results can range from costly outages to safety hazards.
At Edison Electric, we help Manitoba property and facility managers stay ahead of the cold season by planning for winter power loads and ensuring electrical safety from panel to plug.
⚙️ 1. Understand Your Winter Load Demand
Winter months bring increased use of electric heaters, rooftop units, and snow-melting systems. Review your load calculations before the cold hits — this ensures your system can handle the seasonal surge safely and efficiently. A licensed commercial electrician can test circuits and identify potential overload points before they become problems.
💡 2. Schedule Preventive Electrical Maintenance
Your facility’s electrical systems should be inspected before the first deep freeze. Regular facility maintenance can reveal worn breakers, faulty wiring, or corroded connections that often go unnoticed until a failure occurs. Preventive maintenance not only keeps operations running — it helps avoid costly emergency calls during Manitoba’s coldest nights.
🔋 3. Test Backup Power and Emergency Systems
Generators and UPS systems should be tested under load before winter. Manitoba Hydro outages can occur suddenly during snowstorms or ice buildup — having your backup power systems ready ensures lights, elevators, and security systems stay operational when you need them most.
🌡️ 4. Manage Energy Wisely
Smart power management tools allow property managers to monitor energy use and shift demand to off-peak hours. Upgrading to LED lighting and variable frequency drives (VFDs) for HVAC motors can also reduce load strain and extend equipment lifespan — saving both power and money through Manitoba’s long winter.
⚠️ 5. Keep Electrical Rooms Accessible
Snow and ice often block access to electrical rooms or rooftop equipment. Ensure paths are clear and equipment areas are well-lit for quick access in emergencies. This small detail can make a big difference in safety and response time.
🔧 Partner with Edison Electric
Our team specializes in winter electrical safety and power management for Manitoba facilities. We work with property managers, building owners, and maintenance teams to assess, prepare, and protect electrical systems for the season ahead.
Stay safe, stay warm, and keep your building running smoothly — winter after winter.
📞 Contact Edison Electric to schedule your pre-winter electrical inspection today.
