High winds knock out power to more than 97,000 Hydro One customers

TORONTO, Nov. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - High winds that started early this morning have caused power outages to Hydro One's distribution system. Where safe, Hydro One crews are out assessing damage and starting repairs.  It is expected that the number of customers affected by these storms will increase as the high winds continue to move across the province today.

Hydro One will provide updates on restoration times once the extent of the storm damage has been determined in each of the affected areas.

"This violent wind storm has caused widespread damage across Ontario," said Len McMillan, Vice President, Operations and Maintenance, Hydro One Networks. "Our lines and forestry crews are out in full force and we appreciate our customers' patience."

At present, there are 97,000 customers without power. Some of the major areas affected are listed below:

Area Affected	Number of Hydro One     Customers Affected
Clinton	2,798
Kent	3,929
Strathroy	2,739
Guelph	4,230
Fenelon Falls	1,134
Minden	2,525
Bancroft	2,408
Tweed	1,691
Bracebridge	15,828
Huntsville	15,405
Owen Sound	1,890
Parry Sound	4,699

Power will be restored as soon as possible and Hydro One will provide updates on restoration times once the extent of the storm damage has been determined.

For local update on estimated restoration times, customers can download the free Hydro One mobile app available on BlackBerry, iPhone and Android.

Important Safety Information
Hydro One strongly urges people to take extra precaution near fallen power lines. People are urged to report the location of the fallen wires to Hydro One as soon as possible. Touching a vehicle or a tree that is in contact with a power line can be fatal.

Hydro One delivers electricity safely, reliably and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario and owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 km high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 123,000 km low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.3 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario.

 

SOURCE: Hydro One Inc.

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.