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Freezing rain, gusting winds cuts power to 80,000 Hydro One customers

March 2, 2007 — Ongoing winter storm conditions affecting the Bruce Peninsula and southwestern Ontario since Thursday afternoon are hampering Hydro One's efforts to restore power to its customers.

Gusting winds, freezing rain and downed trees caused substantial damage to lines, poles and other equipment overnight. In some communities, continued bad weather and road closures are slowing restoration efforts. Environment Canada is calling for the storm system to move out through Eastern Ontario today.

Hydro One crews continue to assess damage and it is expected that the number of customers affected by this storm will increase as the storm progresses. Power will be restored as quickly as possible, but in the most heavily damaged areas, it will be three to five days before all customers have electricity.

"Hydro One has mobilized and deployed all available lines and forestry crews in the affected areas and moved swiftly to bring in additional crews to assist with restoration of power in the hardest hit communities," said Myles D'Arcey, Senior Vice President, Customer Operations. "We've dispatched everyone available, but driving conditions are making it hazardous and safety is our first priority. We appreciate the support and patience of our customers."

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 website is www.HydroOne.com.