"Ontario Hydro's Y2K warning The power utility suggests customers 'be prepared' and stock up on supplies in case the lights go out on New Year's Eve. Jake Rupert reports. Jake Rupert, with files from Christopher Lacroix The Ottawa Citizen

Wayne Cuddington, The Ottawa Citizen / Mark Zavitske, 11, demonstrates some of the supplies that would come in handy in the event of a Y2K power failure: water, non-perishable food, garbage bags, candles and a sleeping bag. Ontario Hydro's list also includes blankets, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and a cellphone.

Ontario Hydro says it is convinced there won't be any problems when its computer clocks hit midnight on New Year's Eve, but the power utility is nonetheless suggesting that people stock up on food, water and emergency supplies just in case.

The list comes under the heading "Be Prepared" in a pamphlet accompanying a letter being sent to four million Ontario Hydro customers across the province.

Things people should have on hand include: flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio and clock, a cellphone, candles, waterproof matches, extra blankets, coats, hats and gloves, plastic garbage bags, a first-aid kit, canned and dried food, bottled water, disposable tableware and cutlery, and a can opener.

Other things include extra prescription drugs and health goods, cash, a sleeping bag, toilet paper and a loud whistle in case you need to let somebody know you need help.

These items should be kept in an area easily located in darkness, the brochure says.

The letter, written by president and CEO Eleanor Clitheroe, assures people that Ontario's largest power provider is prepared for the Y2K bug, which may cause some computer systems to malfunction by mistaking the year 2000 for the year 1900.

Ms. Clitheroe says the utility met its Nov. 30 deadline for rendering its computers Y2K-compliant. They passed a test run, and she is confident they are ready for Dec. 31.

"We do not expect any significant Y2K-related service interruptions when the New Year arrives," Ms. Clitheroe tells her customers.

The letter goes on to say that Ontario Hydro knows telling customers that while its "efforts to prepare for Y2K may be somewhat unsettling, our intention is solely to reassure you that we're are taking Y2K seriously and acting in the best interests of you, our valued customer."

To deal with any problems Dec. 31, the utility will have additional staff on call and working at offices around the province.

It has also established a special satellite communications system in case telecommunications are affected by the Y2K bug.

The letter closes by urging people to read the brochure on being prepared, suggesting what to do during any power outage.

Then comes a pledge from Ms. Clitheroe:

"I would like to personally assure you that each and every one of us will be doing our utmost to keep the lights on as we move into the next century. After all, it is our job, and we take it very seriously."

Ontario Hydro spokesman Terry Young said the letter and accompanying pamphlet are designed to ensure that customers know everything is being done to protect them against any Y2K problems, and that the suggestions on being prepared are a good rule of thumb for any time of year.

"You can't guarantee anything 100 per cent," he said. "These are steps people should be taking any time. The ice storm taught us we weren't quite ready for a major outage. We're not anticipating any problems. These are suggestions people should follow at all times."

A power generator might also be a wise investment, but the brochure urges people to exercise caution: check for approval labels, read the instruction manual, arrange an inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority. Ensure that any additional equipment required to run the machine is included -- a transfer device and proper connection cords, for example.

Should a power outage occur, turn off and disconnect major appliances and check your fuse box or circuit breaker. Leave one light switch on so you know when power is restored. And there's no need to empty your fridge or freezer unless the power is off for more than 48 hours.

"It's really just common sense," Mr. Young said. "We've given similar advice in the past. There is no need to be unprepared."

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/national/991203/3239131.html

-- LOON (blooney10@aol.com), December 03, 1999

Answers

Many electric utility companies are issuing similar statements. It is nothing more than CMA in action. They know that large chunks of the grid will very likely go down, but the lawyers and public relations types won't allow them to admit the truth. Hell no...its more important to save the annual bonus of some CEO than to save lives of ordinary citizens.

-- Irving (irvingf@myremarq.com), December 03, 1999.