High winds knock out power to more than 48,000 Hydro One customers

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - High winds that started late last night in areas throughout southern Ontario continue to cause power outages on Hydro One's distribution system. It is expected that this weather will continue throughout the day potentially causing further damage.

Hydro One's Grid Control Centre tracks incoming storms and works with field offices to quickly mobilize crews to respond to affected customers. There are currently 475 active outages affecting over 48,000 customers. Where safe, Hydro One crews are out assessing damage and restoring power to customers.

"Crews have been working since last night to restore customers. We expect more outages to be reported as people get up this morning," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "All available employees are focused on restoring customers and responding to emergencies. Turning the lights back on for homes and businesses is our top priority."

Customers looking for information on power outages can call 1-800-434-1234 or download the Hydro One power outage app. Customers can also register to receive proactive personalized text or email alerts about power outages. Hydro One is the first utility in Canada to offer this service. Customers can register for Outage Alerts online at HydroOne.com/MyAccount.

If the power system in your area is affected by bad weather, be sure to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Safety is at the core of everything Hydro One employees do. Not only are our crews trained in First Aid, every Hydro One vehicle is equipped with a First Aid kit.

Currently areas most affected include:

 

About Hydro One Inc.:
Hydro One Inc. is a fully owned subsidiary of Hydro One Limited, Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with more than 1.3 million valued customers, $24.8 billion in assets and revenues of over $6.5 billion. Our team of 5,500 skilled and dedicated employees proudly and safely serves suburban, rural and remote communities across Ontario through our 30,000 circuit km high-voltage transmission and 123,000 circuit km primary distribution networks. Hydro One is committed to the communities we serve, and has been rated as the top utility in Canada for its corporate citizenship, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. We are one of only four utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Energy Company designation from the Canadian Electrical Association.  We also provide advanced broadband telecommunications services on a wholesale basis utilizing our extensive fibre optic network. Hydro One's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H). For more information about everything Hydro One, please visit www.HydroOne.com.    

 

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.

For further information: For more information, contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Our website is www.HydroOne.com. Follow us on facebook.com/hydrooneofficial, twitter.com/hydroone and instagram.com/hometownhydroone.