Latest news with #AlectraUtilities
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Alectra urges customers to stay cool and conserve energy as prolonged heatwave continues across Southern Ontario
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With a multi-day stretch of extreme heat and humidity continuing across Southern Ontario, Alectra Utilities is encouraging residents to prioritize their health and safety while taking steps to reduce electricity consumption. Environment Canada has issued a heat warning with daytime highs of 31 to 35 C and humidex values reaching up to 42. The intense conditions are expected to persist through Thursday night. With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, investing in renewing aging equipment and installing new infrastructure remains crucial to meet the growing grid demand. For more information on Alectra's capital construction investments, please visit: To help manage electricity consumption and lower summertime bills, Alectra recommends the following tips: Use a programmable thermostat to regulate indoor temperatures. Close curtains or blinds during peak sun hours. Delay using major appliances, such as dishwashers or dryers, until the evening. Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air. Keep windows and doors closed while using air conditioning. If your home is too hot, consider visiting a cooling centre, public library, mall or community centre. Follow the advice of your local public health authority. For more tips, visit For more information about how you can save energy this summer and avoid higher bills, visit About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Bluesky: Media Contact
Globe and Mail
23-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
A Scorching Start to Summer '25
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alectra Utilities is urging customers to be mindful of their energy consumption to manage summertime electricity bills in response to a prolonged heatwave affecting Southern Ontario. Keeping cool can get costly, but there are ways to conserve electricity in homes and businesses. 'Our system's peak demand is climbing daily due to the sustained high temperatures persisting overnight,' stated Jim Butler, Vice President, Centralized Operations, Network Services, Alectra Utilities. 'These conditions are increasing electricity demand, particularly in the late afternoons when temperatures peak.' As the heatwave intensifies, electricity usage has surged due to air conditioners and cooling systems operating at full capacity. Yesterday, Alectra's system load peaked at 4,893 megawatts (MW). As of 10:30 a.m. this morning, the system load had already reached 4,855 MW (one MW equals one million watts) and climbing. We anticipate further increases in power consumption as the heatwave continues into Tuesday and Wednesday. With extreme heat events becoming more frequent, investing in renewing aging equipment and installing new infrastructure remains crucial to meet the growing grid demand. For more information on Alectra's capital construction investments, please visit: Alectra Utilities offers the following conservation tips to help reduce electricity consumption and manage summertime electricity bills: Make use of a programmable thermostat to regulate temperature. Use ceiling and portable fans to circulate air. If possible, hang clothes outside instead of using a dryer. Use curtains or blinds to shade windows on hot sunny days. If using an air conditioner, keep doors and windows closed. This is especially important for small retail shops and restaurants with street-level entrances. For more information about how you can save energy this summer and avoid higher bills, visit About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: LinkedIn: Bluesky: Media Contact
Ottawa Citizen
14-05-2025
- General
- Ottawa Citizen
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
Article content MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. Article content Article content According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. Article content Article content 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' Article content 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all.' Article content Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Article content Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: Article content Look up and look out: Always maintain awareness of overhead powerlines when engaging in outdoor activities. Identify all powerlines, including those obscured by foliage, near residential and work areas. Stay back 3 meters from overhead powerlines: You do not have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock. Electricity can jump or 'arc' to you or your tools if you get too close. Always keep a 3-metre gap between you, your tools and powerlines. Stay 10 metres from a downed powerline: There is no way of knowing if a powerline is live just by looking at it. Wires do not have to spark to indicate they are live. Always assume a downed powerline is energized and dangerous. Call 9-1-1 and the local utility immediately and ensure everyone stays at least 10 metres back—about the length of a school bus—from fallen powerlines. Call before you dig: Prioritize safety by contacting Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before initiating any excavation or construction project, ensuring the detection of underground utilities, including powerlines. The locate will only identify utility owned underground line. Customer owned underground lines will require a private locate. Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks. Talk to your kids about powerline safety: Help children find safe places to play, away from utility poles and powerlines. Remind children never to climb trees near powerlines, since leaves and branches can hide the wires. Article content Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. Article content
Hamilton Spectator
14-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all.' Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: For more information about powerline safety, visit: Powerline Safety | Alectra Utilities . About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Bluesky: YouTube: Media Contact Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN An image accompanying this announcement is available at
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Heads up! Alectra reminds residents to stay safe around powerlines
Powerline Safety MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Powerline Safety Week is here, and Alectra Utilities is urging the public to be extra cautious around powerlines, whether working on job sites or tackling spring projects at home. According to the Electrical Safety Authority, more than 40 per cent of Ontarians mistakenly believe that direct contact is required to get a shock or burn from a powerline. However, electricity can arc from the line to any object that comes within three metres, such as a ladder, branch or tool, and cause serious injury or death. 'Powerline Safety Week is an important time to remind everyone about the serious and frequently misunderstood risks that powerlines present,' said Patience Cathcart, Director of Data Science and Public Safety Officer, Electrical Safety Authority. 'Public safety is one of our highest priorities. By working together to raise awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect lives.' 'Ensuring the safety of Alectra employees, customers and the public remains our top priority,' said Chris Hudson, Senior Vice President, Network Operations at Alectra Utilities. 'Together, we can ensure an electrically safe and secure community for all." Every year, injuries and even fatalities occur when people inadvertently come into contact with overhead, often during routine activities like landscaping, digging, or operating equipment under overhead powerlines. Here are six essential safety tips to always follow: Look up and look out: Always maintain awareness of overhead powerlines when engaging in outdoor activities. Identify all powerlines, including those obscured by foliage, near residential and work areas. Stay back 3 meters from overhead powerlines: You do not have to touch a powerline to get a deadly shock. Electricity can jump or 'arc' to you or your tools if you get too close. Always keep a 3-metre gap between you, your tools and powerlines. Stay 10 metres from a downed powerline: There is no way of knowing if a powerline is live just by looking at it. Wires do not have to spark to indicate they are live. Always assume a downed powerline is energized and dangerous. Call 9-1-1 and the local utility immediately and ensure everyone stays at least 10 metres back—about the length of a school bus—from fallen powerlines. Call before you dig: Prioritize safety by contacting Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 before initiating any excavation or construction project, ensuring the detection of underground utilities, including powerlines. The locate will only identify utility owned underground line. Customer owned underground lines will require a private locate. Be mindful of equipment: Avoid flying kites, drones, or other objects near powerlines, as even non-metallic items can conduct electricity, posing severe risks. Talk to your kids about powerline safety: Help children find safe places to play, away from utility poles and powerlines. Remind children never to climb trees near powerlines, since leaves and branches can hide the wires. For more information about powerline safety, visit: Powerline Safety | Alectra Utilities. About Alectra Utilities Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions. Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow's energy future. X: Media Contact Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson | Email: | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN An image accompanying this announcement is available at
