High winds and severe weather knocks out power to more than 36,000 Hydro One customers

TORONTO, June 20, 2016 /CNW/ - Severe weather and high winds in areas throughout the province are causing power outages on Hydro One's distribution system. It is expected that this weather will move through the province throughout the evening and decrease into the late evening and early morning.

Where safe, Hydro One crews are out assessing damage and starting repairs. It is expected that the number of customers affected by these storms will increase as the weather system continues to move east.

"We have mobilized our crews and we are finding many trees have fallen on our lines," Jon Rebick, Vice President Provincial Lines and Forestry, Hydro One. "Trees account for over 30 per cent of outages and we need to be mindful of vegetation that is a contributing factor, especially during severe weather events such as this."

Currently areas most affected include:

Tracking power outages

For outage updates, download Hydro One's free mobile app on smartphone and tablet devices or check the online outage map at HydroOne.com. Customers can check the status of power outages anywhere in Hydro One's service area and receive helpful tips and news.

What to do in a power outage

If the power system in your area is affected by bad weather, be sure to stay clear of any fallen power lines. If you spot a fallen line, keep at least 10 metres back, even if it does not appear to be live. Report it to the police and call Hydro One at 1-800-434-1235. Safety is at the core of everything Hydro One employees do. Not only are our crews trained in First Aid, every Hydro One vehicle is equipped with a First Aid kit.

Household preparedness

Hydro One wants to remind you and your family of the importance of being prepared in case of an extended power outage caused by severe weather.

Our emergency preparedness video is a great tool to help ensure you and your family are prepared in the event of an extended outage.                                                                        

About the Company
Hydro One Limited is Ontario's largest electricity transmission and distribution company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario with approximately $24.3 billion in assets and 2015 revenues of over $6.5 billion. The company delivers electricity safely and reliably to over 1.3 million customers across the province of Ontario, and to large industrial customers and municipal utilities. Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's approximately 29,000 km circuit high-voltage transmission network and an approximately 123,000 circuit km primary low-voltage distribution network. Hydro One Limited common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: H).

SOURCE Hydro One Inc.