High winds and freezing rain knocks out power to more than 28,000 Hydro One customers
TORONTO, Jan. 4, 2017 /CNW/ - High winds, freezing rain and heavy snow that started late last night in areas throughout central and eastern Ontario continue to cause power outages on Hydro One's distribution system. It is expected that this weather will continue throughout the day causing more damage.
Hydro One's Grid Control Centre tracks incoming storms and is able to quickly mobilize crews to respond to affected customers. There are currently 248 active outages affecting over 28,000 customers. Where safe, Hydro One crews are out assessing damage and restoring power to customers.
"Crews have been working since last night to restore customers and won't stop until every customer has their power back," said Greg Kiraly, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "Tree contact accounts for over 30 per cent of outages and this type of weather can cause trees to fall on our lines and damage equipment. Stay 10 metres away from any fallen power lines."
Customers looking for information on power outages can call 1-800-434-1234 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.
Currently areas most affected include:
| Area Affected |
Number of Hydro One |
| Arnprior |
7,451 |
| Bancroft |
5,066 |
| Cobden |
4,839 |
| Owen Sound |
3,263 |
| Tweed |
2,196 |
| Vankleek Hill |
2,538 |
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 more 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
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