TORONTO, Dec. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Hydro One Inc. announced today that it is mobilizing another crew of 19 highly specialized forestry technicians to replace the initial contingent of 20 employees tasked with assisting power grid recovery efforts. For almost two weeks, Hydro One crews have been working tirelessly near Chico, California in challenging weather conditions to address the widespread damage and identify hazards caused by wildfires. This initial team will return to Ontario December 8. The second crew of Hydro One's highly skilled forestry technicians will travel on Thursday, December 6 to continue supporting the local utility company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), for an additional two weeks.
"Our crews have seen the devastation first-hand and the heartbreaking impact to the lives of residents, their homes and businesses," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "The team is staying focused on helping power system recovery efforts affected by wildfires, but this experience has only strengthened our commitment to help the local utility."
Hydro One's hardworking and dedicated forestry technicians will continue to help PG&E with their restoration efforts. So far, Hydro One crews have inspected approximately 7,000 trees to determine whether they pose a threat to public safety or the electricity system. As part of the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, Hydro One has reciprocal agreements in place with North American utilities to provide assistance during significant power outages. In these mutual assistance situations, all costs are covered by the utility receiving help.
Hydro One has been recognized by the Edison Electric Institute for both its storm response and its mutual assistance efforts. This year, the company received an Emergency Recovery Award for its response following a major ice storm in April and Emergency Assistance Awards for its storm recovery efforts following the devastating nor'easter storms Riley and Quinn that hit the northeast U.S. in March.
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. We are one of only six utility companies in Canada to achieve the Sustainable Electricity 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.
