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Florida Power & Light says "Thanks" to Hydro One crews for assistance in power restoration

Sept. 23, 2004 — Florida Power and Light expressed its thanks to Hydro One powerline maintainers as crews returned to Ontario after spending up to two weeks restoring power in the State following the effects of Hurricane Frances.

On September 9 Hydro One sent about 270 volunteer staff in 130 vehicles from across southwestern, central and eastern Ontario to help get the lights back on in the hurricane-ravaged state. The crews began returning Sept. 20, and all are expected to be home by Sept. 24.

"We are very appreciative of the support we received from Hydro One in the aftermath of Hurricane Frances," said Geisha Williams, vice president for electrical distribution. "The Hydro One crews were an important part of the FPL restoration team. We thank them for their commitment and professionalism and extend our gratitude to the citizens of Ontario for lending us some of their best and finest."

Hydro One crews worked in the Stuart Lake area south of West Palm Beach that was devastated by Hurricane Frances. Millions of FP&L customers lost power following the storm.

"We are very proud of our crews, and pleased they were able to help out our American neighbours," explained Tom Parkinson, Hydro One President and CEO. "We have been overwhelmed by the positive comments and compliments we have been receiving from residents of south Florida on our staff's high standards of professionalism, safety and customer service. These crews are a true representation of our more than 1,000 lines staff who are dedicated and proud to show the same level of service on a daily basis at home."

Hydro One owns and operates the province-wide electricity high voltage transmission network and largest low voltage distribution system in Ontario that serves over one million end-use customers. Hydro One is wholly-owned by the provincial government.

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For more information, contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Please visit our Florida effort Web page at http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/media/florida_hurricane/default.asp.