Ontario’s local hydro utilities know that with climate change comes extreme weather events. Whether they are tornados, floods, or ice storms, utilities are on the front lines to deal with power outages and anxious customers. The good news is local hydro utilities put their customers first. Through any weather or disaster, they are there to make sure that customers’ don’t stay in the dark long. They are there to work with the first responders to ensure that communities are safe and have electricity.
Utility crews are often among the first on the scene of a disaster. Their hard work and commitment to safety make it possible for other first responders to do their job. Utilities also play a significant role in the recovery process too. They are safeguarding basic needs, such as drinking water, by maintaining or restoring power to crucial infrastructure.
There are a lot of logistics involved in a significant power outage event. For example, during the 2013 Ice Storm, decisions had to be made quickly and efficiently to move crews from one community to another around the province to maximize resources on the ground where the storm hit hardest.It is also up to the utilities to communicate and keep their customers up to date. This means staff working behind the scenes at all hours to use a variety of methods to keep customers part of the restoration conversation.
Across the province, 11,000 men and women are working diligently to serve their customers. Ontario’s local hydro utilities are natural first responders working on the front lines of power. They are there to maintain a safe and reliable electricity system and are always there to turn the lights back on for our customers during extreme events.
Ontario’s local hydro utilities are always on the job.