Toronto Hydro Responding to Power Outages Due to Freezing Rain

TORONTO, Dec. 21, 2013 /CNW/ - As temperatures drop and ice forms on overhead equipment, Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited ("Toronto Hydro") reports an increase in power outages across the city.

Environment Canada is reporting a severe weather event with 20-30 millimetres of freezing rain expected overnight and into the early morning.

Outage volumes are expected to increase overnight. Given the existing weather conditions, Toronto Hydro anticipates restoration times to be between 12 and 16 hours. However, a subsequent update of restoration times will be provided on Saturday morning at 7 a.m., after the majority of the storm has passed.

While Toronto Hydro does have extra crews working to restore power, driving and working conditions are difficult causing delays.

Additional staff resources are being readied to start work at daybreak, when conditions will be safer and restoration efforts will be more productive.

Currently, the north east part of Toronto is most affected by outages in the following areas:

Finch Avenue south to Sheppard Avenue and  Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street

Cummer Avenue to Finch Avenue and Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street

Lawrence Avenue East south to Eglinton Avenue East and the Don Valley Parkway east to Victoria Park Road

Finch Avenue East to York Mills and Bayview Avenue to Leslie Street

Finch Ave West south to Sheppard Avenue W and  Bathurst Street east to Yonge Street

Sheppard Avenue East south to Lawrence East and Port Union Road to Morningside Drive.

York Mills Road to Lawrence Avenue and Victoria Park Road to Don Mills

Ellesmere Road to Ashtonbee and Victoria Park to Warden

Roselawn to Eglinton Avenue West and Allen Expressway to Spadina Avenue

Total number of customers affected is approximately 8,500.

Next update will be issued at 3 a.m.

Please stay clear of downed overhead power lines, assume they are "live" and report them to Toronto Hydro at 416-542-8000 or call 911.

If your whole neighbourhood is without power, report the outage to 416-542-8000 and take the following safety precautions:

• If you heat your home/business with electricity, turn your thermostats off or down to prevent damage or injury should a sudden power surge occur when power is restored.
  
  
• Unplug computers, televisions, stereos and other equipment that can be damaged if a power surge occurs when power is restored.
  
  
• Keep your fridge and freezer doors shut as much as possible. Generally, food will keep for 24 to 48 hours, as long you keep the door closed. See specific temperature and food guide.
  
  
• Stay well away from downed power lines and keep pets and children clear too. Report downed lines immediately.
  
  
• Do not go near electrical equipment around areas of standing water, like a flooded basement.
  
  
• Never use barbecues, propane or kerosene heaters or portable generators indoors.
  
  
• Secure windows and doors as well as outdoor furniture and equipment.
  
  
• Park vehicles in protected areas, if available.
  
  
• Check with local media outlets for updates.

For more information about power outages, and preparedness tips for residential and business customers, please visit torontohydro.com/poweroutage

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SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

Christina Basil, Toronto Hydro-Electric System
[email protected]    C: 416-903-6845