Thousands of Calgarians still find themselves Tuesday in the dark or displaced as emergency crews work toward restoring power in the city.
Electricity may not be turned on until Thursday, officials say, making it likely perishable food could spoil while many will be forced to rack up hundreds of dollars in expenses staying away from home in hotels.
Fortunately for those with insurance, a portion of those costs can be recouped, at least. The outage also serves as a reminder that costs related to power outages can be recovered on policies for homeowners and renters across the country.
MORE: Complete coverage of Calgary power outage
Many policies include coverage for ruined perishable food, insurance experts say. Spoilage because of power outages not caused by the homeowner or tenant are typical in many plans.
Costs for hotels, transportation and eating out during the time residents are forced out of the house or apartment are also included in many coverage plans. Renter insurance policies can cover the same expenses.
Keep receipts
“Keep all receipts related to living expenses. If you’ve been temporarily displaced, ask your insurance representative about what reimbursement you may be entitled to, as well as the duration of this coverage,” Bill Adams, vice president for Western Canada at the Insurance Bureau of Canada said.
Adams cautioned affected Calgarians to “review your policy to ensure you are familiar with specified deductibles, coverage limits and replacement values.”
The blackout began late Saturday after a fire in an underground vault which utility company Enmax says requires equipment to be replaced rather than simply repaired.
Roughly 5,000 residents have been affected by the outage, along with another 2,100 businesses, many in the downtown core.
MORE: Outage shuts down Calgary govt buildings, courthouse
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Adams advised affected residents to contact their insurance professional.
Consumers and businesses can also find answers by contacting IBC’s Alberta Consumer Information Centre at 1-800-377-6378. An insurance professional is available 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Monday to Friday.
WATCH: Five thousand Calgary residents spent Thanksgiving Monday in the dark. It will be at least Thursday before power can be restored, Global Calgary’s Jenna Freeman reports.
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