Toronto Hydro has announced plans to ramp up its stray voltage detection and repair program after reports some children received a minor shock.
This latest incident reportedly occurred Thursday in the Dundas and Sumach Street areas. A Toronto Hydro spokesperson told ctvtoronto.ca on Friday that between three and five children were involved. None were seriously injured.
"All available resources are being assigned to finding and fixing equipment that poses a safety hazard," David O'Brien, the corporation's president and CEO, said Friday. "This operation will involve more than 600 employees, and is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation."
The corporation announced Friday it would be spending $15 million on the program, up from $10 million announced last week.
That program was in response to a series of dog shockings since November. Two dogs died as a result.
That work was to involve the replacement of 30,000 metal handwells. Those handwells are where electricity radiates out to streetlights and other related equipment and fixtures.
Toronto Hydro said the inspections will radiate out from the downtown core, with the oldest equipment to be inspected first. Wiring will be "encased in rubber and plastic" to protect it from water. They hope to have the work done by the end of February.
A hotline has been set up to all people to report stray voltage incidents. The number is 416-222-3773.
