EXCLUSIVE: West end power surge destroys residents’ electronics, appliances
Posted October 21, 2014 7:49 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A major power surge hit nearly 30 homes in west Toronto earlier this month, blowing out pricey appliances and leaving homeowners wondering if they’ll be fully compensated.
The surge took place on Shaw Street near Bloor and Ossington on Oct 1.
“First thing the lights were flicking and then there were popping sounds,” a resident named Esmerelda explained. “And then we started smelling something burning.”
A Toronto Hydro subcontractor, Ainsworth Electric, was working on Shaw Street when the surge occurred.
“There was a ground connection that was either loosened or cut which would have cause the voltage going into the home to be uneven,” explained Toronto Hydro’s Tanya Bruckmueller.
The surge destroyed numerous appliances, including fridges and dishwashers.
Hank, a father of two, says he still has concerns that damage from the surge could pose a fire hazard.
“All the electrical behind the walls, you don’t really know what kind of damage was sustained there. Is it now unsafe? I’m thinking of having an electrician come in and do some kind of safety assessment. Of course I’ll have to foot the bill for that.”
A letter sent to the affected homeowners states that Ainsworth will accept all claims. But according to an email sent to Hank, it appears the company will only cover the depreciated costs of destroyed items.
Ainsworth Electric deferred all comment to Toronto Hydro.
Hydro says its insurance company’s adjuster will be overseeing the claims.
Many residents told CityNews they don’t want to make a claim through their own insurance company because they’re worried it will affect their rates.
