This Thanksgiving weekend stay away from dams and hydro stations

OPG warns water levels can change quickly

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is reminding the public to stay away from hydroelectric stations and dams this Thanksgiving weekend.

"Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to go outside and enjoy the fall colours with family and friends, but water levels near dams and hydroelectric stations can change quickly and change without notice," warns Mike Martelli, OPG President Renewable Generation Power Marketing. "Stay clear, stay safe this long-weekend by obeying all warning signs, buoys, booms and barriers near hydroelectric stations and dams."

OPG operates 66 hydroelectric stations and 241 dams on 24 river systems. Most of these facilities are remotely controlled. As demand for electricity rises and falls throughout each day, operators stationed many kilometres away open and close dams, and start and stop generating units as needed. Water that looks safe may become turbulent with little or no warning.

Enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend with your family and friends but remember to stay clear and stay safe.

For more water safety information please visit www.opg.com/watersafety.

OPG generates safe, clean, reliable, low-cost power for Ontario. More than 99 per cent of this power is free of smog and carbon emissions. OPG's power is priced 40 per cent lower than other generators, which helps moderate customer bills.

SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.