Archives

Sabotage Threat At Hydro One’s Ontario Grid Control Centre – Police Investigating – Systems Remain Secure

Toronto, April 27, 2005 - Hydro One management became aware today that an employee, represented by the Society of Energy Professionals and working at the Ontario Grid Control Centre in Barrie, allegedly threatened to sabotage one of the company’s essential network systems that allows controllers to manage Ontario’s electricity grid.

The employee allegedly threatened to plant a virus in the Network Management System. The employee has been escorted from the work premises and will remain off the job while Barrie Police conduct a thorough investigation.

“Threats of sabotage or vandalism will not be tolerated, as they can endanger the safety of our systems, employees and the people of Ontario.” said Tom Parkinson, President and CEO of Hydro One. “Any unlawful behaviour will be treated seriously and pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”

Hydro One has given its full cooperation to the Barrie Police force during their investigation. The situation will continue to be monitored very closely.

“We urge the public not to overreact to this,” added Parkinson. “We are confident at this stage that it is an isolated incident and I still believe that I can rely on the undertakings given to me by Society President, Andy Muller that Society employees are above this sort of behaviour.”

Hydro One has comprehensive contingency plans already in place to cover potential extended strikes by the Society and to keep the system safe and operational in the event of any potential work disruption.

Hydro One owns and operates Ontario's 28,400 kilometre high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 122,000 kilometre low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.2 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province.

-30-

Contact:
Peter Gregg, Vice-President
Corporate Communications
416-345-6072