An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been in a year-and-a-half battle with his power company over disconnected power lines.
His utility company, Alektra Utilities, is asking him to pay $27,000 in repairs.
“They want $27,000,” said Paul Willis of Brampton. “And then we have to pay another contractor to run his last 80 feet, which costs about another $5,000.”
Willis began construction on the garage in November 2021 with the help of a contractor. Willis said contractors dug too deep and cut the hydro cables at the beginning of the project.
Homeowners can rely on Ontario, a free, not-for-profit agency that works with utilities to check for damage to underground gas lines, communications networks, power lines, and individuals before starting an excavation project. You are legally required to contact One.
“The whole excavation process is about being mindful of the infrastructure and making sure you don’t hit the infrastructure when you’re digging with shovels and major machinery,” said Jim Keach, the agency’s CEO. .
However, Willis contacted Ontario One and said the contractor did not follow Ontario One’s instructions.
“We sued the contractor,” Willis said. “The problem is, he ignored the lawsuit, he ignored my lawyer, he ignored me.”
Since November 2021, Alektra has repaired the hydro line twice. In both cases, the line broke, leaving Willis with a temporary hydro line that he says needs to be replaced.
He currently receives power from a hydro pole line that runs above the ground with multiple connections connected to his home.
Willis said he was told that if he didn’t pay his bill, the hydro company would cut off his power.
In a statement to CTV News, a spokesperson for Alektra Utilities said they are aware of the situation and that records show existing power lines were damaged by a third-party contractor. Stated.
“In response, our crews immediately addressed the issue with an emergency connection and provided approximately $27,000 to replace the damaged line with upgraded infrastructure to meet existing safety and electrical standards. A quote has been provided to the customer.”
Mr Willis said he did not feel he had to pay the full cost and wanted to find a compromise between all parties.
