THUNDER BAY – Canadian crews are headed to the United States to help restore power to the millions of customers who had their power knocked out by Hurricane Irene. Hydro One Networks is sending crews to Vermont to assist with power restoration efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene.
Hydro One will send 140 line maintainers and other support personnel and equipment to help two utilities in Vermont. The crews will be divided between Green Mountain Power in Colchester and Central Vermont Public Service in Rutland.
The utilities requested the assistance during preparations for Irene and confirmed the need early Sunday afternoon.
“Our industry has a time-honoured tradition of working cooperatively when natural disasters damage the grid,” said Len McMillan, Vice President, Hydro One. “Returning electricity to communities and customers as quickly as possible in these situations is vital and we’re glad to be able to assist.”
Hydro One has reciprocal agreements in place with North American utilities to provide assistance during significant power outages. In February of 2010, Hydro One helped utilities in Vermont in the wake of a winter storm. In September 2008, crews travelled to Ohio to help restore power after the remnants of Hurricane Ike caused massive outages. Hydro One crews also provided assistance to the State of Florida following hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.
In 2007, Hydro One became the only non-U.S. utility to be awarded the Edison Electric Institute’s “Emergency Recovery Award” in recognition of outstanding efforts in restoring electric service that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events.
