Toronto Hydro power restoration update

TORONTO, Dec. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) continues to work around the clock to restore power to the approximately 6 per cent of customers (18,000) who remain without power following the ice storm.

Crews are focussing on localized neighbourhoods, apartment buildings, condominiums and individual homes still without service. While significant progress has been made, customers who are still without power should be prepared for restoration to continue over the next few days. This type of restoration effort is always most labour intensive with a great deal of forestry work and clean-up required.

Toronto Hydro, with the support of more than 250 electrical trades and forestry workers from across the province and Manitoba will continue to work around the clock until all power is restored.

Public and worker safety is Toronto Hydro's first priority and we urge the public to exercise extreme caution in power restoration locations.  Please keep a safe distance from crews working in the area (at least 15 feet) as tree limbs and ice continue to fall as a result of the warmer temperatures.

Toronto Hydro continues to closely monitor the weather.  If winds pick up, they could trigger more outages as already stressed branches and trees fall onto power lines.

Customers are reminded that if Toronto Hydro is reporting that their neighbourhood has been restored when their home is still without power they should do the following:

• Check to see if your neighbours have power. If they don't, it is likely that more work is to be done on your street.
  
  
• If your home is the only house without electricity, check your electrical panel inside the home to see if the breakers are in the "on" position.
  
  
• Check outside to see if the electrical equipment on your home is damaged or if the service wire is down.  If the wire is down, please stay back and contact a licensed ECRA/ESA electrical contractor. A list is available on Toronto Hydro's website at torontohydro.com/poweroutage
  
  
• If you have completed the above and your power is still out, please report your outage to 416-542-8000.

The City of Toronto is still operating Reception centres, where those in need can access food, water, warmth and rest. For more information, please visit Toronto.ca

If you spot a downed wire, please stay back (at least 10 feet) and report it to Toronto Hydro's operations centre at 416-542-8000. For more information about household items to have on hand during a lengthy outage, please visit torontohydro.com/poweroutage

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SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

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