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-Power restored to over 61,400 from peak of 105,000-

TORONTO, March 26, 2015 /CNW/ - As of this morning, Hydro One confirms it has restored power to more than 61,400 customers following the ice storm, which caused extensive damage to its distribution system across southwestern and central Ontario.

More than 1200 Hydro One employees and crews from neighbouring utilities have answered the call and are working through the Easter weekend across southern Ontario to repair widespread damage. They continue to repair heavy damage to restore power to the remaining 42,300 customers in the areas that have been hit the hardest.

"There is still a pile of ice on the hydro lines and the trees are draped all over them," said Barry Coyle, Distribution Superintendent, Orangeville Operations. "Once it warms up, we will likely see a spike in outages as the weight comes off the trees and they start to stand up straight again and come into contact with the lines,"

Coyle also said that the heavy ice brought with it specific safety concerns for both Hydro One crews and the public.

"It's very slippery out there, so we're using a lot of ice cleats on boots so the crews can move around safely," Coyle said. "But the big safety concern today for everyone is that, as the temperature rises there will be a lot of falling ice and branches. Everyone needs to be very aware of what's above them at all times."  

Through mutual assistance agreements, Hydro One is receiving help from the following local distribution companies to help restore power to customers as quickly as possible: Haldimand County Hydro, 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.

At present, there are 992 incidents affecting over 42,300 customers. Areas with approximately 1000 or more customers affected 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.

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
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.