Newsroom

TORONTO, April 12, 2013 /CNW/ - Freezing rain and high winds continue to cause outages on Hydro One's distribution system. Hydro One crews are working to assess damage and make repairs to more than 600 separate damage incidents affecting 115,000 customers.

"This storm caused significant damage to our system, knocking down more than 200 poles and damaging lines in a swath that stretches from St. Thomas to Kingston," said Len McMillan, Vice President, Operations and Maintenance, Hydro One. "We have mobilized every available resource and thank our customers for their patience as we work to restore power."

All available lines staff, apprentice crews, foresters and damage assessors are working on the restoration efforts. High winds have grounded Hydro One's helicopters, but crews are on standby to help with restoration once flying conditions improve.

Hydro One expects to restore power to a significant number of customers by tonight, but cautions that some customers may be without power throughout the weekend.

Our Customer Communications Centre is experiencing a high volume of calls due to the extent of the storm damage and some customers are having difficulty getting through. For the most recent information on power outages customers can go to:  www.HydroOne.com/StormCenter or download Hydro One's power outage app.

Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/HydroOne.

Some of the major areas currently affected are listed below:

Extended Outage Tips

• Do not use a generator unless it has been properly installed and is properly ventilated, to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Make sure to have non-perishable food, water and first aid supplies on hand.

• Do not go near downed power lines. Call Hydro One immediately if a downed power line is spotted.

• Leave on one light so you'll know when the power is back on.

• Avoid damage from a power surge when the power comes back on by turning off and unplugging major appliances including televisions, computers, stereos and other electronics.

• Make arrangements to stay with family members or friends if the power is expected to be off for an extended period of time.

Hydro One delivers electricity safely, reliably and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario and owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 123,000 km low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.3 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario.

SOURCE: Hydro One Inc.