Toronto Hydro-Electric System Cautions Pedestrians and Pet Owners about
Contact Voltage

Contact Voltage Hotline: [phone]

TORONTO, Dec. 17 /CNW/ -

NEWS
Now that winter has arrived, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") is launching its annual "Be Safe" campaign to remind Toronto pedestrians to be cautious around all electrical equipment and street fixtures.

In particular, wet sidewalks combined with freezing and thawing can cause contact voltage conditions to occur. If possible, pedestrians and their pets should avoid electrical equipment like streetlight poles and sidewalk handwells. Pedestrians should always be aware of utility equipment and other fixtures that are in close proximity to their paths.

Pedestrians who suspect the presence of contact voltage should call Toronto Hydro's hotline immediately.  

Contact Voltage

Contact voltage is an intermittent condition that exists when electricity or voltage is present on street equipment such as sidewalk handwells or hydro pole plate covers. It is more likely to be present during wet, icy and salty conditions.  Freezing and thawing can cause the ground around underground equipment to shift, thereby disturbing underground wiring and creating conditions where contact voltage can occur. 

Although Toronto Hydro is continuing its nightly street scanning and handwell replacement with non-conductive covers, contact voltage conditions can still occur under certain conditions.

In 2010, Toronto Hydro began a new phase of its Contact Voltage Remediation Program, which involves replacing handwells in the city of Toronto with a non-conductive polymer-concrete model. This new standard is intended to reduce the risk of contact voltage.

The Electric System, Trees and Storms

Winter storms and high winds can cause falling tree limbs to pull down overhead wires.  Wires that come down can be 'live' with electrical current, and wet or icy roads can provide a short circuit path for electricity to travel.  Remain at least 30 feet away from downed wires and call 911 or Toronto Hydro (416.542.8000).  Toronto Hydro will dispatch a crew to repair the damaged equipment.

Residents should not try to trim back overgrown trees if they are in close proximity to power lines. Instead they should call Toronto Hydro's Forestry department (416.542.7800).  Forestry crews at Toronto Hydro are trained to prune trees around power lines on private property, there is no cost for this service if the tree is too close to our high voltage equipment.

General Safety for Children

Regardless of weather, children should be discouraged from playing around electrical equipment or near power lines, work sites and power stations. If passers-by notice that locks or doors on electrical equipment or stations are broken due to tampering, they should call Toronto Hydro immediately.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

• Customer Care, Emergencies and Power Outages: 416.542.8000, press #1
• To report energized equipment (contact voltage): 416.222.3773
• To report a streetlight problem: 416.542.3195
• Forestry: 416.542.7800
• Call before you dig: 416.542.3344

LINKS: for more information, please visit www.torontohydro.com/safety

About Toronto Hydro Toronto Hydro Corporation is a holding company, which wholly-owns two principal subsidiaries:

• Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited - which distributes electricity and engages in Conservation and Demand Management ("CDM") activities; and
• Toronto Hydro Energy Services Inc. - which provides street lighting services.

The principal business of the Corporation and its subsidiaries is the distribution of electricity by Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited. Toronto Hydro-Electric System owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 696,000 customers located in the City of Toronto.  It is the largest municipal electricity distribution company in Canada and distributes approximately 18% of the electricity consumed in Ontario.

For further information:

Denise Attallah, Toronto Hydro
[email protected]
W: 416.542.2636
C: 416.902.9437