Ontario is sending 100 emergency power workers to assist with hurricane damage in the US

An Ontario power company is sending 100 storm response personnel to Georgia to help support the region after the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. 

The major weather event, which occurred last week, generated a massive wave of destruction throughout regions in the southern US and put an estimated 650,000 Georgia Power customers out of power. 

Due to its involvement with the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, Hydro One has obligations in place with North American utility organizations to assist with significant power outages in Canada and the US. 

“Ontario and Canada remain steadfast friends and democratic allies to the United States of America and stand ready to support them as they confront the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Hydro One’s commitment to supporting our neighbours in times of crisis reflects the very best of Ontario and the importance of the special Canada-United States relationship,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification in an official statement. 

Details surrounding the team being dispatched to Georgia indicate that they are specifically trained to work in emergencies on both general transmission and distribution systems. 

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Hydro One is scheduled to send approximately 100 power line workers to help Georgia Power with storm-specific restoration efforts this week. 

Sam Oosterhoff, the Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries pointed to not only the expertise of these responders but also what they represent, as he stated “These workers exemplify the Ontario spirit — helping those who need it, with willing hearts and skillful hands.”

Information released by the company also highlights that this is not Hydro One’s first time assisting in storm repair across North America, as they provided restoration work following the California wildfires and Hurricane Irma in 2017.