Widespread area power outages in Morrisburg and area were reported to Hydro One at approximately 4:56 a.m. Wednesday morning. Although electricity was restored to Morrisburg by 6:15 a.m., as many as 5000 residents in rural areas of both South Dundas and North Dundas were without power for most of the morning, with estimated restoration times ranging from 7:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Hydro crews continue restoring power to customers in the Nation Valley this morning [Nation Valley News]
As of mid-afternoon Wednesday, less than 20 customers were still without electricity on County Road 18 in South Dundas. The power outage affected both customers of Rideau St. Lawrence Utilities and Hydro One.
Hydro One says "galloping lines" were the cause of the outage, according to Nation Valley News.
'Galloping lines' caused this morning's outage, says Hydro One [Nation Valley News]
What are "Galloping lines"?
Hydro One explains the phenomenon of "galloping lines" in this informational video, originally reported by Nation Valley News.
What happens when the power goes out
Ontario has a robust and reliable electricity system, but it's occasionally at the mercy of the Canadian climate. In the winter, heavy snow or ice storms can causer power lines to break, while in the summer and fall, fierce winds, rain, and lightning can cause extensive tree damage that leads to power outages. At other times, and even in the sunny weather, traffic collisions or animal contact with electrical equipment can cause power outages.
When the electricity goes out, Hydro One has a six-step recovery plan in place to restore power to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
Report a Power Outage
If the power goes out, call Hydro One's provide-wide outage hotline at 1-800-434-1235.
Find out when the power is out
Hydro One offers an Outage Map that can be used to identify power outages and estimated restoration times. Customers can also sign up for customizable Outage Alerts to receive power outage notices at hydroone.com. When Hydro One becomes aware of an outage near you, they'll send you an alert and provide the estimated time of restoration.
Risk of failure
A December 2nd, 2015 Auditor General of Ontario report raised concerns about increasing power outages, citing that Hydro One's equipment is aging and "at very high risk of failing". The estimated cost of necessary repairs at the time was $4.472 billion.
Hydro One wins Emergency Recovery Award
On January 10th, 2019, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) presented Hydro One with the association's "Emergency Recovery Award" for its outstanding power restoration efforts after a windstorm in May 2018 and severe thunderstorms and three tornadoes in September 2018.
About Hydro One
Hydro One is a holding company with four subsidiaries, the largest being Hydro One Networks. It operates 97% of the high voltage transmission grid throughout Ontario, and serves 1.3 million customers in rural areas across the province in its capacity as Ontario's largest distribution utility.
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