Toronto Hydro Crews Recognized for Restoration Efforts in U.S

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2012 /CNW/ - The Toronto Hydro employees who assisted with Hurricane Sandy power restoration efforts in the eastern United States were honoured today by Toronto City Council for their outstanding service. Councillor Josh Colle recognized these employees, some of who were present at City Hall early this morning.

Following the completion of storm restoration efforts in Toronto, where crews restored power to 99 per cent of affected Toronto Hydro customers within 48 hours, approximately 65 Toronto Hydro employees headed south to New York and Massachusetts to join hydro crews in relief efforts. The team of overhead power line and underground distribution network trades people, and supervisors left Toronto early November 7.

Some Toronto Hydro employees assisted the local utility, Consolidated Edison (Con Ed) in repairing underground systems in New York City, while others supported National Grid in repairing predominately overhead systems in New Jersey or Massachusetts.

During the 12 days they were away from home, Toronto Hydro crews helped restore power to thousands of people. They worked long hours in very difficult conditions, often sleeping in their trucks and were able to make it home to their families with no workplace injuries. Crews returned to Toronto the week of November 19.

Toronto Hydro crews have received much recognition from customers in the north-eastern United States through social media and email.

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"We are proud of all our employees who worked long and hard to restore power here in Toronto, as well as those who volunteered to help in the U.S," says Ben LaPianta, Vice-President Distribution Grid Operations. "Toronto Hydro has some of the best trained and highly equipped crews and this was apparent in our relief efforts both here at home and in the U.S."

Image with caption: "At City Hall this morning, Toronto Hydro employees received a standing ovation for their Hurricane Sandy restoration efforts first in Toronto, and then 12 days in New York and New Jersey. Employees left on November 7 and the last of the crews returned on November 19. (CNW Group/Toronto Hydro Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121128_C4291_PHOTO_EN_21315.jpg

SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tanya Bruckmueller, Toronto Hydro
W: 416-542-2621
C: 416-903-0440