Toronto Hydro Signs Agreement to Provide Mutual Aid during Emergencies

Canadian Electricity Association Agreement Brings Together Utilities from Across Country

TORONTO, APRIL 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro is proud to announce it has signed on to the Canadian Electricity Association's National Mutual Assistance Agreement, which aims to improve effectiveness and response times during emergency situations.

Toronto Hydro has a history of offering help to neighbouring jurisdictions, most recently sending crews to New Hampshire in November 2014 to help with power restoration following a powerful snow storm.

Toronto Hydro also benefited from the generosity of other utilities during the 2013 ice storm.

This agreement will strengthen these relationships and clarify the terms, conditions and availability of mutual assistance in advance of emergencies. Under the agreement, parties will provide assistance on a not-for-profit basis.

Toronto Hydro co-chaired the Agreement working group and is taking a leadership role in the overall framework development. 

QUICK FACTS

• During the 2013 ice storm, Toronto received assistance from 9 different utilities from across Ontario and Manitoba
• Toronto Hydro crews travelled to New York State in 2012 to assist with power restoration following hurricane Sandy
• Toronto Hydro provided assistance to New Hampshire in November 2014 following a snowstorm that left more than 180,000 customers without power

QUOTES

"We have first-hand experience of what it's like to need assistance during a crisis.  It's important for utilities to work together to share resources and be prepared in advance of emergencies, so signing this agreement was an easy decision."

-     Anthony Haines, President and CEO, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited owns and operates an electricity distribution system, which delivers electricity to approximately 740,000 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 the province of Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation

Tori Gass, Communications and Public Relations, 416-903-4037, [email protected]; 24-hours media line: 416-903-6845, [email protected]