Hydro One is deploying about 100 employees to aid in power restoration efforts in Georgia following the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, the company announced Thursday. The hurricane has left more than 650,000 customers of Georgia Power without electricity, prompting the Canadian utility to join the recovery effort.
The Ontario-based crew, consisting of skilled power line workers, is travelling to the southeastern U.S. as part of a mutual assistance agreement between Hydro One and Georgia Power. These agreements, facilitated by the North Atlantic Mutual Assistance Group, ensure that utilities can support one another during significant power outages, with costs being covered by the utility receiving help.
Teri French, Hydro One’s Executive Vice President of Safety, Operations and Customer Experience, highlighted the company’s commitment to assisting communities in times of crisis.
“Helene brought violent winds and heavy rains, causing severe damage and devastation. Our thoughts are with our neighbours in the southeast affected by this catastrophic hurricane,” she said. “We are proud to answer the call and send our crews to care for others during their time of need.”
Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Electrification, Stephen Lecce, expressed the provincial government’s support for Hydro One’s contribution to the recovery efforts.
“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,” Lecce said. “Hydro One’s commitment to supporting our neighbours in times of crisis reflects the very best of Ontario.”
Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries, also praised the workers making the journey.
“These workers embody the spirit of cooperation that underpins our partnership with the United States, and we stand behind them as they work to turn the lights back on for our friends to the south,” he said.
Hydro One has a long history of responding to emergency situations across North America. The company’s workers have been involved in restoring power following wildfires in California and nor’easter storms in 2018, as well as Hurricane Irma in 2017.
The Hydro One team will join Georgia Power crews on both transmission and distribution systems as they work to restore electricity to affected areas in the aftermath of the hurricane.
