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Utility partners helping with restoration efforts

TORONTO, March 25, 2015 /CNW/ - Hydro One confirms it has now restored power to approximately 32,000 customers following the ice storm, which caused extensive damage to its distribution system across southwestern and central Ontario. At its peak, the storm affected over 105,000 customers across the province.

"We have the best customers," said Jon Rebick, Vice President, Lines and Forestry, Hydro One. "They continue to send our crews messages of support and thanks as we work to restore their power. We will are working tirelessly to get everyone back online safely, so they can get back to enjoying their holiday weekend."

Through established mutual assistance programs with other electric utilities, Hydro One is receiving additional support from a number of local utilities including, Festival Hydro, Woodstock Hydro, Erie Thames Powerlines, Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc., Hydro Ottawa, Hydro One Brampton, Peterborough PUC, Midland PUC, Sudbury Hydro and Newmarket Hydro.

"Our industry is known for working together when our customers need us," added Rebick.   "We truly appreciate that they answered the call and joined our restoration effort immediately and without question."

The company expects to have most customers restored by tomorrow and encourages people needing specific assistance to make alternate arrangements for the night.

At present, there are close to 900 individual sites damaged by the storm affecting nearly 71,827 customers. Hardest hit areas with over 1,000 customers are listed below:

Tracking power outages

For outage updates, download Hydro One's free mobile app on smartphone and tablet devices or check the online outage map at HydroOne.com. Customers can check the status of power outages anywhere in Hydro One's service area and receive helpful tips and news.

What to do in a power outage

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.

Household preparedness

Hydro One wants to remind you and your family of the importance of being prepared in case of an extended power outage caused by severe weather.

Our emergency preparedness video is a great tool to help ensure you and your family are prepared in the event of an extended outage.                              

About the Company
The Company is Ontario's largest electrical transmission and distribution utility with approximately $23 billion in assets and 2014 revenues of over $6 billion. The Company's regulated transmission and distribution operations are owned by Hydro One Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company.  Hydro One Inc. delivers electricity safely and reliably to over 1.2 million customers across the province of Ontario, and to large industrial customers and municipal utilities.  Hydro One Inc. owns and operates Ontario's approximately 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network and an approximately 122,000 circuit km primary low-voltage distribution network. 

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.