Electricity safety in your neighbourhood

There is electrical equipment in your neighbourhood that helps bring power to homes and businesses. Learn about electrical boxes, power lines, and substations in Collingwood and area, and how to stay safe around them.

On this page

In an emergency
How to be safe around transformers and cubicle utility boxes

In an emergency

If a power line is down or there is contact with a power line:

Call 911.
Call EPCOR’s 24/7 emergency line at 705-445-1800.
Do not move the line or any object in contact with it.
Stay at least 10 metres away from the area.

Safety around electrical equipment

You will find electrical infrastructure all around your neighbourhood in Collingwood, Stayner, Creemore or parts of Blue Mountains. Electrical boxes, power lines and poles can be dangerous. It's important to teach children to never touch or go near power lines or green electrical boxes.

Learn how to stay safe around this equipment, and what to report if you see it.

Transformers and cubicle utility boxes

Transformers and cubicles are sometimes referred to as utility boxes or electrical boxes. They are the grey or green boxes found in neighbourhoods throughout Collingwood and surrounding communities.

Transformers and cubicles are tied to underground power lines that deliver electricity to households and businesses.

This equipment can be dangerous, so they typically have warning signs with "Danger High Voltage" and "Danger Keep Out".

If you see an open or damaged electrical box in your neighbourhood, contact us at 705-445-1800, and stay away.

How to be safe around transformers and cubicle utility boxes

1. Report open or damaged electrical boxes

Contact us if you see an electrical box that has been damaged, tampered with, or the door is open. Call our emergency line at 705-445-1800.

2. Don't play on or near transformers or cubicles

Although electrical boxes are enclosed, they can still be dangerous. Don't play on or around them, and keep others away too.

3. Call before you dig

Transformers and cubicles are connected to buried power lines. It's important to call (1-800-400-2255) or click before you dig to locate power lines and other utilities. Learn how to dig safely.

4. Provide access to transformers and cubicles

Always make sure there is a clear 3 metre path on all four sides. When landscaping near electrical boxes, don't block access to ensure crews can quickly access them. This is important when responding to an emergency outage.

Overhead and underground power lines

Power lines can be overhead or underground and have varying structures and voltages. Contact with power lines is dangerous.

How to be safe around power lines:

Stay at least 7 metres away.
Avoid flying drones or kites near overhead lines. If they contact a power line, do not try to remove it. Call 705-445-1800 and give the location.
Keep trees away from power lines. Learn how to trim trees safely.

Call 911 or 705-445-1800 immediately if you see a downed power line, and give them the exact location of the line. Keep everyone else at least 10 metres away.

Learn how to stay safe near downed power lines.

Electrical substations

Our electrical substations reduce high-voltage electricity to a lower voltage used in homes and businesses.

How to stay safe: Always obey safety signs posted around the substations and never enter fenced areas.

If your ball, drone, kite or frisbee goes over the fence of a substation, do not go in after it. Call our emergency line at 705-445-1800 for assistance.

Report any open gates or suspicious activity to the police or our emergency line.

Disclaimer

This webpage provides information only. Any reliance placed on this information is strictly at your own risk. EPCOR does not assume any responsibility or liability for any action, loss or damage that arises out of, or is in connection with the information contained in this webpage.