Click below for answers to your questions:

• What caused the blackout on Aug. 14, 2003?
• Why is there a power grid in place?
• How big is Ontario's physical system?
• Does Ontario generate enough to satisfy its own needs?
• Does Ontario get power from other provinces and states?

What caused the blackout on Aug. 14, 2003?

Investigators have traced the source of the blackout to an Ohio utility company. A joint Canada-U.S. task force says FirstEnergy Corp's EastLake plant shut down unexpectedly, triggering a series of problems on its transmission line. That triggered cascading shutdowns across adjoining grids. Investigators also blamed a lack "situational awareness" by FirstEnergy employees, who didn't know line monitoring software was not working.

Why is there a power grid in place?

Areas are interconnected via a grid system so they can utilize the most efficient power sources available. Also, for backup reasons, the grid is useful to respond to weaknesses in any separate part, allowing power systems to back one another up.

How big is Ontario's physical system?

28,900 kilometres of transmission lines; 94 generating stations producing 30,548 MW; that includes:

• 4 nuclear generators (10,836 MW)
• 59 hydroelectric stations (7,615 MW)
• 5 coal-fired generators (7,546 MW)
• 24 oil/natural gas stations (4,485 MW)
• 2 miscellaneous - wind, waste, wood, etc. (66 MW)

Does Ontario generate enough to satisfy its own needs?

Yes, however a portion of Ontario's capacity is sold and redirected to other provinces and states.

Does Ontario get power from other provinces and states?

Yes. Depending on demand Ontario can import more than 4, 000 MW from Manitoba, Quebec, New York, Michigan and Minnesota.