Ontario makes slow progress in storm cleanup

About 20,000 homes are still without power in eastern Ontario. Repair crews brought in from across the province made more headway on Tuesday. Ontario Hydro said the number of customers still in the dark should be down to about 15,000 by Wednesday.

The utility expects all power to be restored by the end of the week.

Ontario Hydro also said it is waiving charges for six weeks for customers hit hardest by ice storm power outages. It will also pick up the tab to install poles and lines for people who are responsible for their own installations.

Thousands of people in rural eastern Ontario have complained about the Crown corporation's response while they shivered in cold and darkness.

Ontario Energy Minister Jim Wilson said a review of Hydro's preparedness and emergency plan will be conducted later.