VAUGHAN, ON – Although not expected to negatively affect any electricity consumers, PowerStream is notifying customers of two province-wide voltage reduction tests planned by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) for January 22, 2009. These voltage reductions may affect some electricity consumers including PowerStream customers in Barrie, Simcoe County and York Region.

As market participants, PowerStream and all other local electricity distribution companies in the province must partake in the tests which are scheduled to occur between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. for approximately one hour each in duration. The purpose of the tests is to provide the IESO with an opportunity to assess their emergency procedures, ensure staff familiarity and to identify deficiencies.

A voltage reduction is implemented as an emergency control action to manage grid reliability under conditions of high demand combined with limited supply.

"The vast majority of consumers do not notice voltage reductions as they are usually within industry standards specified for electrical equipment used by residential and commercial customers,” explained Brian Bentz, PowerStream’s President and Chief Executive Officer. "However, some sensitive equipment during a voltage reduction could be affected depending on the consumer equipment configuration."

A voltage reduction Question and Answer information sheet has been developed by the IESO and can be found at: http://www.ieso.ca/imoweb/siteshared/voltage_reduction.asp  or by contacting IESO customer relations at 1-888-448-7777.

PowerStream Inc.

PowerStream Inc. is the second largest municipally-owned electricity distribution company in Ontario, providing service to more than 310,000 residential and business customers in Alliston, Aurora, Barrie, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Beeton, Markham, Penetanguishene, Richmond Hill, Thornton, Tottenham and Vaughan. It is an incorporated entity, jointly owned by the City of Barrie, the City of Vaughan and the Town of Markham.