I posted recently about continued problems with stray voltage on Toronto streets. I see this is in the news again.

From the National Post:

Toronto Hydro is admitting it can do little to prevent stray voltage, asking residents in a new ad campaign to tread carefully lest they or their pets be jolted by the electricity coursing below city sidewalks.

“What we are trying to tell customers is … step around any electrical equipment. If you have children, make sure they know not to touch or play around electrical equipment,” said Toronto Hydro spokeswoman Tanya Bruckmueller.

So far, two animals that we know of have died and one child has been zapped.  Another quote from the article: Now the city-owned hydro provider says it may never have the leaks licked, meaning the $3-million annual cost of running three trucks to survey the city for stray voltage would remain on the books. A massive sweep launched last January involved every Hydro employee testing metal handwells on sidewalks and the launch of a year-round mobile survey for signs of contact voltage.

The Toronto Hydro people would like us to take safety measures. We’re to keep away from areas where contact voltage might occur. That apparently is anywhere. Dog walkers are warned to take Fido out for a walk before the street lights come on, just to be safe.

Ms. Bruckmueller said Toronto Hydro is in the process of finalizing new safety standards that could see every handwell in the city replaced.

“It may not be done in a year, it may take a few years. But until then, you have a moral responsibility to make sure that people are aware of this, and are careful.”