Toronto Hydro Appoints Expert Panel To Review Ice Storm Response

In a media presentation on January 9 Toronto Hydro described the December 21-22 ice storm that hit the city as "the most disruptive incident" the company had ever faced. At its peak power was lost to approximately 300,000 (over 40%) of the utility's customers. The utility handled more than 100 times its normal call volume. With 800 traffic signals out of order, over 500 wires down and 160 locations requiring a police presence, it was a daunting logistical challenge. As of January 9 Toronto Hydro CEO Anthony Haines estimated that the storm cost the company $12.9 million, an amount that includes about $1 million of lost revenue, $10 million for labour and another $2 million in materials. A public opinion poll published earlier this month suggested that 82% of Torontonians were satisfied with Toronto Hydro's response.