Norfolk businesses lost $823,000 in blackout

Brantford Expositor
Local News - Monday, June 05, 2006 @ 01:00

Norfolk businesses reported more than $823,000 in losses and damage during the recent power outage caused by a transformer fire in Caledonia, according to a survey conducted by Norfolk County's tourism and economic development office.

"The total continues to climb as more survey responses come in," said Clark Hoskin, manger of tourism and economic development.

Among the results:

• 75 per cent of companies lost revenue as a direct result of the blackout. Losses totalled $727,835;
• 46 per cent experienced additional labour costs, totalling $57,475;
• 21 per cent had damage to inventory, equipment or supplies, totalling $35,600;
• 3 per cent experienced criminal activities, with damage totalling $2,500;
• 42 per cent reported that relationships with customers, clients or accounts suffered.

About 120 surveys were distributed to the county's main employers. To date, 71 companies have responded or 59 per cent. The responding companies employ a total of 1,838 workers.