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TORONTO, March 25, 2016 /CNW/ - Freezing rain that started yesterday morning and continued overnight in southwestern, southern and parts of central Ontario caused outages affecting over 105,000 Hydro One's distribution customers.   The company reports that downed poles, wires and broken tree branches are the primary causes of the power outages. It is expected that high winds may result in further power outages throughout the day.

Hydro One estimates that is has restored power to approximately 20,000 customers.

Almost 1,000 workers, which including line maintainers, foresters, technicians, construction workers, and apprentices have been mobilized to respond to outages. As power restoration work is completed in one area, associated crews will then be dispatched to new areas needing their attention. In addition, the company is mobilizing crews from parts of the Province where there is no storm damage so they can support the restoration effort. 

Three helicopters have been dispatched to patrol power lines and survey storm damage.  This helps the company pinpoint outages, particularly in densely wooded areas, so that the company can better prioritize its resources and the overall power restoration effort. 

"Freezing rain, sleet and snow caused widespread damage in a number of the communities we serve," said Jon Rebick, Vice President, Lines and Forestry, Hydro One. "Our lines and forestry crews are out in full force this holiday weekend so that we can restore our customers as safely and quickly as possible."

He added, "We appreciate our customers' patience while we work to restore their power. Most of all, we ask our customers not to take any chances with their personal safety. Please stay clear of downed power lines and if you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Our highly trained crews will be ready to respond." 

Areas with over 1,000 customers affected include:

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.                 

About the Company
Hydro One Limited is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with approximately $24.3 billion in assets and 2015 revenues of over $6.5 billion. The company delivers electricity safely and reliably to over 1.3 million customers across the province of Ontario, and to large industrial customers and municipal utilities. Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's approximately 29,000 circuit km high-voltage transmission network and an approximately 123,000 circuit km primary low-voltage distribution network. Hydro One Limited common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H).

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.