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Hydro One restores power to over 70,000 customers

Nov. 7, 2005 - Hydro One has restored power to over 70,000 customers across Ontario who lost service due to the severe storm that hit the province early Sunday. Approximately 50,000 customers are still without power this afternoon, with Muskoka/Georgian Bay region being the most impacted area. Many of these customers will have power later tonight, however 30,000 could be out overnight. Some in more remote locations such as seasonal residents (cottagers) could be out until Wednesday.

The storm, packing winds up to 100 kilometres/hour, inflicted substantial damage to lines, poles and other equipment principally from falling trees and branches. Restoration was delayed yesterday due to sustained high winds that prevented use of helicopters, and in many cases power was restored then lost again with more tree damage.

"Hydro One has mobilized and deployed all available lines and forestry crews including temporary workers, apprentices and in some areas staff from local utilities to expedite restoration," explained Myles D'Arcey, Vice President, Customer Operations. "Over 750 personnel have been involved in getting the lights back on." Crews are being moved from locations that have been restored to harder hit areas.

Updates will be provided to media throughout the evening. For the most recent information on power outages go to www.HydroOneNetworks.com.

The public is advised to stay away from downed power lines.

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. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Ontario 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. Our Web site is www.HydroOne.com.