After Repairing Primary Feeders, Crews Move to Restore Power to Individual Homes and Streets

TORONTO, Dec. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (Toronto Hydro) has finished repairs to primary feeders, restoring power to approximately 227,800 customers (down from 300,000 at the height of the storm).

Crews are now turning their attention to restore streets and individual homes.

Toronto Hydro is asking customers to check the condition of their electrical service entry outside the house (commonly called the electrical stand pipe and mast). Customers, who can clearly see there is damage, should contact a licensed electrical contractor to make repairs in advance. When Toronto Hydro crews arrive to energize your service, it can be done without any further delay.

Electrical contractors must be licensed by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) otherwise they are working illegally and potentially putting customer safety at risk.

Please visit the ESA website at esasafe.com/consumers/contractorlookup for a listing of ESA/ECRA licensed electrical contractors.  Toronto Hydro will also be posting a list of pre-approved contractors on its website at torontohydro.com.

Customers concerned that Toronto Hydro is reporting that their neighbourhood has been restored when their home is still without power, are advised to do the following:

• Check to see if your neighbours have power, if they don't, it is likely that more work is to be done on your street.
• If your home is the only house without electricity, check your electrical panel inside the home to see if the breakers are in the "on" position.
• Check the electrical service entry outside your home to see if it is damaged or the service wire is "down".  If the wire is down, please stay back and contact us at 416-542-8000 to report the downed wire.

Toronto Hydro is working around the clock to restore power as quickly and safely as possible.  The utility is being assisted by other utilities including Hydro Ottawa, Sault St. Marie PUC, Enwin (Windsor) and Manitoba Hydro.

The City of Toronto is still operating Reception centres, where those in need can access food, water, warmth and rest. For more information, please visit Toronto.ca

If you spot a downed wire, please stay back (at least 10 feet) and report it to Toronto Hydro's operations centre at 416-542-8000. Please be cautious of falling tree limbs as well. For more information about household items to have on hand during a lengthy outage, please visit torontohydro.com/poweroutage

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SOURCE: Toronto Hydro Corporation

Contact the Media Relations Hotline 
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited.
C: 416-903-6845