ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNLAND AND LABRADOR - Fortis Inc. ("Fortis" or the "Corporation") (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) provided an update today on the status of its response efforts in the Turks and Caicos Islands following the aftermath of Hurricane Irma which hit the Islands last week. FortisTCI provides electrical service to most of the country.
The Corporation's emergency response team was among the first to land in Providenciales on Sunday, September 10, departing Canada within 48 hours of the "All-Clear" being given by the Government of Turks and Caicos. Since arriving, teams have been assigned to several regions of Turks and Caicos including North and South Caicos, Grand Turk, and Providenciales to assist FortisTCI with restoration of power. Initial efforts were focused on energizing critical infrastructure such as water treatment plants, hospitals, airports and emergency response organizations, as well as ensuring the safety of roadways and thoroughfares.
Assessments conducted during the past week indicate that well over 1200 poles are destroyed. As a result, significant effort will be required to restore power. Fortis will maintain a team of approximately 60 additional employees on the ground until power is restored to all customers that can receive it.
Arrangements are being made to deliver additional line trucks, poles, wire and other equipment to the country. The extra utility vehicles are being shipped via barge and should begin to arrive in the next few days. As well, approximately another 60 power line contract personnel will be on the ground soon, and will complement the Fortis team to more quickly complete restoration throughout the Islands. This will bring total additional personnel to approximately 120.
"We remain committed to restoring power to the region in a safe and expeditious fashion. Our thoughts continue to be with our employees, their families, Governor Freeman, Premier Cartwright-Robinson and the people of Turks and Caicos," said Barry Perry, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fortis Inc. "The Islands are very resilient and will bounce back from this terrible storm," he concluded.
FortisTCI is working alongside emergency response officials and the Government of Turks and Caicos to ensure efforts are coordinated.
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.