Hydro One restores power to 150,000 customers after fierce winds sweep the province

TORONTO, Jan. 11, 2017 /CNW/ - The high winds that started last night continued to cause power outages on Hydro One's distribution system throughout Ontario today. Hydro One crews have been working hard to restore power to 150,000 customers since the storm started.

There are currently 129 active outages affecting 5,773 customers and it is expected that approximately 2,050 customers will remain off overnight.

All crews, which include line maintainers, foresters and technicians have been mobilized to respond to outages. As power restoration work is completed in one area, associated crews are 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. 

"Crews have worked tirelessly to restore power to the majority of customers in less than 24 hours, after a storm event, for the second time in one week," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "Our dedicated staff will continue working until every customer is restored."

Customers looking for information on power outages can call 1-800-434-1235 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.

Current 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: 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.