Recieved a two page letter from Ontario Hydro today. Not a bill insert, an actual letter. Some snips follow:

".....We'd like to take this opportunity to make sure you are aware of what we've done to be "system ready" for New Year's Eve; our preparedness efforts; and things you can do to feel prepared as well."

"...about the time shift test we conducted earlier this year. In case you haven't heard...the test was deemed a success!"

"....we've met our November 30 goal to be ready for Y2K; our identified key systems have been rigorously evaluated; and we do not expect any significant Y2K-related service interruptions when the New Year arrives."

"...We've also established a specialized satellite communications system that will allow us to relay information between all of our offices across the province and utilities across North America, if the telecommunications systems are affected. The ice storm of '98 gave us some tremendous insight about being prepared for even the worst possible emergency and we have since reviewed and revised our crisis response procedures. More importantly, with all these extra safeguards in place, we'll be in a stronger position to restore your power as quickly as possible and be able to communicate with one another, in the event of an unforeseen power outage."

"...Just as we have a plan in place to deal with outages that can happen at anytime, you may want to do the same. We've enclosed a detailed brochure which explains what you should do anytime an outage occurs. It offers some suggestions on things you should have on hand to keep your family safe and comfortable during an outage, and steps to take after your power has been restored."

"....I would like to personally assure you that each and everyone of us will be doing our utmost to keep the lights on as we move into the next century."

The enclosed brochure, entitled "Be Prepared..." was a four fold, color printed both sides. One fold devoted to Home gnerators. The list of recommended emergency supplies included (among other things) canned and dried food, water, prescription drugs, contact lens solution, extra cash, and toilet paper.

It just seems to me that a Co. that truly believes the power will stay on wouldn't go to this kind of trouble and expense to suggest that their customers prepare, "just in case". One last comment, about "the test being deemed a success".....I think the use of the word "deemed" is unusual. Either the test was a success, or it wasn't. Why did it have to be "deemed"?

-- Sheila (sross@bconnex.net), December 02, 1999

Answers

Well,

If the criteria are lowered sufficiently enough, then you can 'deem' anything a success. Hope for the best but it sure does sound intentionally vague.

-- X (X@X.com), December 02, 1999.

I hope my DGI brother gets that flyer and reads it, but I'm not holding my breath.....

-- so (so@so.so), December 02, 1999.

I got the same information. Being 'ready' instead of 'compliant' just doesn't cut it. Ready to do what?

Still nursing a deep distrust here of anything Ontario Hydro says after their ice storm performance.

-- John (jh@NotReal.ca), December 02, 1999.

Well there is the link to

 Ontario Hydro

And their site is down so couldn't check out the details

Here is BC Hydro's Y2K page. This is what Ontario Hydro's site should do is inform. Hopefully it does

 BC Hydro: Year 2000 Update

And remember to keep your liners dry :o)

-- Brian (imager@home.com), December 02, 1999.