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-Hydro One restores power to more than 89,000 customers; 34,000 remain without power-

TORONTO, April 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Freezing rain, high winds and ice pellets that started yesterday afternoon in areas across southwestern and south central Ontario continue to cause power outages to more than 34,000 Hydro One customers. Hydro One crews have made considerable progress, restoring power to more than 89,000 customers, amid hazardous conditions and significant damage including broken poles, downed lines and fallen trees. It is expected that this weather will continue to progress across the province and some Hydro One customers will remain without power overnight. 

"Crews have been working around the clock to restore power to our customers. We know that electricity is a lifeline for many families in the winter – especially for those who depend on electric heat. It's all hands on deck until every last customer has their power back," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer.

In preparation for the storm, additional front line crews and Contact Centre staff were placed on standby to respond to impacted areas and assist customers. Since Friday, the Company has been mobilizing crews from parts of the province where there is no threat of freezing rain or storm damage so they can support the restoration effort. Over 350 resources including line maintainers, foresters, support staff and technicians have been mobilized to southwestern Ontario and more than 500 have been mobilized province-wide. As power restoration work is completed in one area, associated crews are dispatched to new areas needing their attention. In total, up to 1,400 resources plus support staff will be deployed at first light tomorrow once the hazardous weather subsides.

Currently areas most affected include: (as of 6:30 p.m.)

Customers looking for information on power outages can call 1-800-434-1235, download the free Hydro One power outage app or visit www.HydroOne.com/stormcenter. Customers can also register to receive proactive personalized text or email alerts about power outages at HydroOne.com/MyAccount.

Hydro One reminds all customers to restock their 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. The kit should contain:

• Windup or battery-powered flashlight
• Windup or battery-powered radio
• Batteries for your flashlight and radio
• Water (recommend 2 litres per person/day)
• Canned or dried food that won't spoil
• Manual can opener
• Cash and any medical items you require
• Blanket
• Candles and matches
• First Aid Kit
• Portable charger for cell phone

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, $25 billion in assets and 2017 annual revenues of nearly $6 billion. Our team of over 7,400 skilled and dedicated regular and non-regular employees proudly and safely serves suburban, rural and remote communities across Ontario through our 30,000 circuit km of high-voltage transmission and 123,000 circuit km of 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 five utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Energy Company designation from the Canadian Electricity Association. We also provide advanced broadband telecommunications services on a wholesale basis utilizing our extensive fibre optic network. Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H).

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.