KINGSTON,ONT./Nov. 7, 2012 – Six Utilities Kingston workers – four linesmen and two substation electricians – and three Kingston Hydro vehicles are now in Long Island, New York, helping to restore power to areas hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.

“I know they will do us proud – these workers are away from their family and friends to work in challenging areas under difficult conditions,” says Jim Keech, President and C.E.O. of Kingston Hydro.

“During the Ice Storm of 1998, Kingston enjoyed significant help from hydro companies; crews came from far and wide and went beyond the call of duty for us. Now, electricity distributors are committed to doing the same to speed power restoration for those affected by Sandy.”

The crews left for the area early Saturday morning after receiving the call from the Long Island Power Authority on Friday evening. They are assigned to rebuild hydro in the area of South Oyster Bay, which runs along Long Island’s southeast coast. The Utilities Kingston crews will stay until they are no longer needed.

They join more than 7,000 linesmen and women from all over North America working to restore power to the thousands of people in this area. Amongst them are approximately 400 electricity distribution workers from 25 Ontario utilities.

Keech adds, “This storm serves as a reminder of electricity’s central role in our lives. The expertise, commitment and reliability of Kingston Hydro crews will help speed the restoration of this critical infrastructure and help ensure the safety of the people affected by Hurricane Sandy.”

Media contact: For more information contact Cindie Ashton, Communications Officer 613-546-4291, extension 3116 (cell 613-329-3462). Or call the City of Kingston’s media hotline at 613-546-4291, ext 2300.

About Kingston Hydro

Kingston Hydro is licensed by the Ontario Energy Board to distribute electricity in central Kingston. It owns the electric infrastructure—such as wires, poles, transformers, sub-stations and meters—that brings electricity from the provincial electricity transmission grid to your door. Kingston Hydro infrastructure is operated by Utilities Kingston.

About Utilities Kingston

Utilities Kingston is unique in Ontario, as one company under the leadership of a single CEO, providing combined water, sewer, gas, electrical and broadband fibre optic services. Through its shared services model, employees operate local infrastructure, manage assets, and provide billing services for the combined utilities—delivering savings, customer satisfaction and value.