Hydro One's taken over day-to-day operations for Chapleau Hydro, amid staffing shortages.
A joint release explains the move happened yesterday, with the Ontario Energy Board issuing Hydro One an interim licence to operate Chapleau Hydro's distribution business for the next six months, during which time Chapleau Hydro and the Township of Chapleau will "evaluate longer term options to continue to provide excellent electricity distribution services in Chapleau", expecting a "permanent solution ready to put in place at the end of this interim period" - Chapleau Hydro is noted to be "one of the smallest utilities in the province and, due to its size, it is challenged with balancing the ongoing regulatory requirements, attracting and retaining staff, and the need to make investments in the distribution system", so the Township is looking at the option of selling the distribution business "to ensure customers continue to receive excellent electricity distribution services"..
They emphasize no changes are expected for customers for now - noting Hydro One already services communities and businesses on the outskirts of Chapleau - with Chapleau Hydro still producing the electricity bill under current rates, while any service requests, billing inquiries, or outage reports are still directed to Chapleau Hydro at 705-864-0111.