TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2019 /CNW/ - As a leader in storm response and outage communications, Hydro One today announced the launch of its new customer Outage Map. Hydro One is the first Canadian utility to offer its customers this innovative new map and app which includes advanced features, such as a weather radar and street level detail.
"We know our customers need real-time information when the lights go out and our new Outage Map will make it easier to get the latest information while our crews work to get the power back on," said Imran Merali, Vice President of Customer Service, Hydro One. "Last year, our customers experienced five major storms resulting in widespread damage and power outages across the province. This new, easy to use tool will help customers get up to date outage information and restoration times in the format they want."
The new Outage Map provides customers with enhanced features to track outages in Hydro One's service area along with the ability to bookmark multiple locations for easy reference. Other new features include:
- The ability to view outage information for individual homes, cottages or businesses
- A weather radar overlay that allows customers to view current weather
- Up-dates every 10 minutes as information comes in from crews on-site
- The ability to view the map on your mobile device or desktop
- The map is also available in French and is AODA compliant
In its commitment to improving its customers' outage experience, Hydro One has invested in technology to help the company respond more quickly and more efficiently during a storm. Last year, the use of new technologies and better advanced planning dramatically shortened the time it takes to restore power. In 2019, customers will continue to benefit from additional changes Hydro One is making to its storm response process that will improve further improve estimated restoration times for customers.
The new Outage Map is a just one option Hydro One offers customers when it comes to outage communications. Customers can also sign up for proactive text and email outage alerts or use the popular mobile app. Later this year, Hydro One will be adding additional features such as reporting a power outage online. To learn more about the map and its new features, please visit: https://www.hydroone.com/power-outages-and-safety/storm-centre.
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.
