For Immediate Release
2006-01-18
Jim Keech, President and CEO - 546-1181, extension 2217
PROVINCE-WIDE VOLTAGE REDUCTION TEST PLANNED JANUARY 19
Utilities Kingston has advised several of its major electric customers of a routine, province-wide voltage reduction
test scheduled for tomorrow, Thursday, January 19, by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO).
The IESO has indicated that most customers will not notice that the test is occurring as the voltage will remain within
the industry standards specified for electrical equipment used by residential and commercial consumers.
Utilities Kingston customers who have any questions or concerns about tomorrows IESO routine testing should contact the
Customer Service Centre at 546-0000.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has issued the following news release about the voltage reduction
test:
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is planning a routine voltage reduction test for Thursday, January 19,
2006.
"Voltage reductions are an important emergency control action that can help protect the reliability of the power system
and reduce the need for rotating power outages," said Paul Murphy, Chief Operating Officer of the IESO. "The IESO must
conduct periodic tests to ensure we are prepared for actual system emergencies," said Murphy.
A province-wide voltage reduction of three per cent will take place between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. followed by a five
per cent reduction from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The vast majority of electricity consumers will not notice that the test is occurring as the voltage will remain within
the industry standards specified for electrical equipment used by residential and commercial consumers. Consumers with
questions about the test or who experience problems on January 19 should contact their local distribution company by
calling the customer service number on their electricity bill. A list of local distribution companies is available at:
www.ieso.ca/findutility.
More information about voltage reductions is available on the
IESO Web site
or by contacting customer relations at 1-888-448-7777.
The IESO is responsible for managing Ontario's bulk electricity system and operating the wholesale electricity market.
For more information, visit www.ieso.ca.
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