TORONTO, May 5, 2018 /CNW/ - A wind storm that started Friday afternoon and moved quickly across the province, caused power outages to about 450,000 customers. The winds subsided overnight and Hydro One crews were out in full force at first light. They have restored power to about 70 per cent of customers affected by the storm, with 140,000 customers currently without power. The 110 km/h winds caused downed power lines, uprooted trees and broke more than 420 poles.
"We have made significant progress today however there is still a lot of work to be done," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "We have every available crew working to restore power to customers affected by this devastating wind storm. We expect many customers to still be without power overnight and will have a full contingent of crews out again at first light tomorrow restoring power."
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. The Company is mobilizing crews from parts of the province where there is no storm damage so they can support the restoration effort.
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. Hydro One is the first utility in Canada to offer this service. Customers can register for Outage Alerts online at www.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 annual 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 Limited'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.
