Power Education

How electricity arrives to your home

Electricity is integral to our way of life - our work, our leisure, our health. We don't have to order it. We don't have to wait for it - it's at our fingertips, whenever we want it!

The following diagram illustrates how this vital source of energy arrives to your home:

• Toronto's electricity travels in a 'circuit' that begins at Ontario Power Generation's generating stations, which sends our electricity at 24,000 volts.
• This electricity is then boosted at transformer stations to 115,000, 230,000 or 500,000 volts, to travel along a network of high-voltage transmission lines to Hydro One's transformer stations.
• From there, it goes to the municipal (Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited) substations. These substations reduce electricity voltage so that it can travel on small overhead or underground power lines, carrying electricity to transformers (on poles or on the ground) where the voltage of electricity is reduced again to deliver electrical power safely and efficiently to your home.
• Then, when you plug something in and turn it on, presto - the electricity circuit is completed!

Power Outages

Planned Interruptions

While we make every effort to avoid disrupting the supply of electricity to customers, on rare occasions circumstances may necessitate a planned outage. These interruptions are planned so that minimal disruption occurs to the lives of our customers.

If you receive a notice that your power will be interrupted at a certain time, your co-operation and understanding is requested. We apologize for the inconvenience but remind you that this work is essential to your utility and your community.

Emergency Outages

Emergency power outages may occur from time to time. These can be caused by weather conditions, faulty equipment and other situations beyond our control. When we become aware of a major power interruption, we immediately dispatch emergency crews. Our crews are committed to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible for you when power outages occur. Your understanding and patience are requested.

If you experience a power outage, make sure it's not a tripped breaker or blown fuse in your home's electrical panel. Check with neighbours to see if their power is out, then call our Lights Out number at 416.542.8000 to report the outage.

Power Outage Tips

It's important to know how to protect yourself in the event of a power outage. Here are some things to consider:

• Ensure you have the following items in a convenient place - flashlight, first aid kit, warm blankets, matches, candles, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries. Place the emergency kit in a pre-designated location, so you can find it in the dark.
• Note cordless or hands-free phones don't work during a power outage. Be sure to have at least one standard phone connection available.
• If you're using lamps and appliances when the power goes out, turn them off to avoid possible damage when the power is back on.
• Consider using surge protectors to protect sensitive electronic equipment. If you're at home when a storm approaches, you may want to just unplug your electronic equipment.
• Have an alternate plan in place to ensure the continuity of any life-support needs. This may include making special arrangements to spend time with a friend or relative during an outage or using a back-up power supply.

For more power outage tips, visit our Web site at www.torontohydro.com/poweroutage.

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