ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNLAND AND LABRADOR -- (Marketwired) -- 09/08/17 -- Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX: FTS)(NYSE: FTS) today announced its Hurricane Irma emergency response program. Utility personnel are set to depart Canada to assist FortisTCI with restoration efforts on the Islands of Turks and Caicos.
"We made contact this morning with our team in Providenciales," said Barry Perry, President and CEO, Fortis Inc. "Our thoughts are with all our employees throughout the Islands, their families, the Government and people of Turks and Caicos. Fortis will work diligently to help restore power throughout the region safely and as quickly as possible once the all-clear is given by Government."
As part of our initial response, employees from FortisBC, FortisAlberta, FortisOntario, Maritime Electric and Newfoundland Power will travel to the region as soon as the airport reopens. These employees include power line technicians, design technologists, mechanics and engineers, and are expected to be on the ground for a three-week period. A second crew will replace the initial team to continue the support; this group will include employees from our United States-based utilities.
"This combined effort to assist FortisTCI in restoring the power system will be comprehensive," said Gary Smith, Executive Vice President, Eastern Canadian and Caribbean Operations, Fortis Inc. "Our first priority will be restoring power to critical infrastructure such as water supply systems, as well as to emergency response organizations like fire, police, hospitals and shelters. All other efforts will be organized and prioritized once on the ground," he said.
This is the 9th emergency response effort of this kind for Fortis utilities. Others include:
-- Gilbert - 1988 - Jamaica -- Keith - 2000 - Belize -- Iris - 2001 - Belize -- Juan - 2003 - Prince Edward Island -- Ivan - 2004 - Jamaica and Grand Cayman -- Tornadoes - 2006 - Alberta -- Ike - 2008 - Turks and Caicos -- Igor - 2010 - Newfoundland and Labrador
"We will be diligent and decisive in these efforts, and take all precautions to ensure our employees and the residents of the country remain safe at all times," said Mr. Smith.
About Fortis
Fortis is a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry with total assets of approximately C$48 billion as of June 30, 2017. The Corporation's 8,000 employees serve utility customers in five Canadian provinces, nine U.S. states and three Caribbean countries.
Fortis shares are listed on the TSX and NYSE and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com, www.sedar.com, or www.sec.gov.
Contacts:
Media Enquiries:
Ms. Karen McCarthy
Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs
Fortis Inc.
709.737.5323
media@fortisinc.com
