Crews from Windsor's ENWIN Utilities have been dispatched to provide critical assistance in regions near Peterborough, Ontario, following a severe ice storm that has caused significant damage to infrastructure. The deployment, which began on December 30, 2025, is part of a mutual aid agreement between utility companies to address widespread power outages.
Emergency Response to Widespread Damage
The call for help came after heavy ice accumulation brought down trees and power lines across central Ontario. The weight of the ice has proven too much for many structures, leading to hazardous conditions and leaving thousands without electricity. ENWIN, the electricity distributor for Windsor, answered the request for additional manpower and specialized equipment to support local crews who have been working around the clock.
This kind of inter-utility assistance is standard practice during large-scale weather events, ensuring that resources are directed to the hardest-hit areas as efficiently as possible. The ENWIN team brings extensive experience in dealing with storm-related damage, a skill set honed in their own service territory.
The Scope of the Storm's Impact
While the original news brief did not specify the exact number of affected customers in the Peterborough area, the decision to call in crews from distant utilities like ENWIN indicates the severity of the situation. Ice storms are particularly destructive to electrical grids because the ice can directly coat lines and equipment, causing failures, while also leading to trees and branches collapsing onto power lines.
The timing of the storm, during the holiday period, complicates restoration efforts and increases the urgency to restore power to homes and businesses. Safety remains the top priority for all crews, as working near downed power lines and unstable, ice-laden trees presents numerous risks.
Looking Ahead: Restoration and Preparedness
The deployment underscores the importance of collaborative emergency response networks across Ontario. As climate patterns shift, extreme weather events, including intense ice storms, may become more frequent, testing the resilience of provincial infrastructure.
For residents in the affected zones, utility companies advise treating all downed lines as live and dangerous. They also recommend having an emergency kit prepared, especially during the winter months, with supplies to last at least 72 hours in case of prolonged outages.
The ENWIN crews will remain on site assisting with repairs until local authorities and the host utility determine that the situation is sufficiently stabilized and power has been restored to all viable customers.
