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TORONTO, April 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Hydro One confirms it has restored power to 52,000 customers following freezing rain and high winds that caused widespread damage to Hydro One's electricity distribution system across Ontario. The storm left downed power lines and more than 300 broken poles in its aftermath. Across the province more than 98,000 Hydro One customers remain without power. 

"We are making progress in repairing the severe damage caused by the ice and wind," said Len McMillan, VP, Operations and Maintenance. "Every available worker is out today working to safely restore power to our customers and our communities as quickly as possible." 

More than 1200 Hydro One staff is working on the restoration effort including lines staff, forestry technicians, apprentice crews, damage assessors and support staff. Hydro One has called in help from other local distribution companies throughout the province to aide in the restoration efforts.

Friday's restoration efforts were hampered by treacherous driving conditions.  High winds had grounded Hydro One's helicopters, but crews are now helping with the restoration as flying conditions have improved. 

Some of the major areas affected by power outages are listed below:

We ask our customers for their continued patience as our Customer Communications Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls due to the extent of the storm.

Important Safety Information

Hydro One strongly urges people to take extra precaution near fallen power lines. Even if a fallen wire seems dead, it can be dangerous. People are urged to report to Hydro One the location of the fallen wires as soon as possible. Touching a vehicle that is in contact with a power line can be fatal.

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.