Toronto’s electricity customers have been asked to cut consumption after flooding from severe storms hobbled two of the city’s key power stations Monday evening.

A five per cent voltage reduction was required in Toronto’s downtown core Tuesday morning as the Richview and Manby power stations were idled, and approximately 10 per cent of the city, including a four-station stretch of the Bloor subway system, was still without power.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) projected that rotational one-hour load cuts could be necessary throughout the rest of the day while power for the downtown was rerouted through transmission facilities in east Toronto.

“As a result, the supply remains tenuous,” cautioned an emergency bulletin from the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Greater Toronto, which is part of the IESO’s crisis management support team.

“Consumer actions to reduce electricity use will help the IESO, Hydro One and Toronto Hydro manage the situation until major facilities are assessed and returned to service,” concurred Bruce Campbell, the IESO’s president and CEO.