News Releases

BMO Bank of Montreal announced that it restored normal customer service levels throughout its Ontario branch and ABM network yesterday, while complying with a provincial request to conserve energy in the wake of last week’s power blackout.  BMO fully expects that it will be able to maintain normal operations throughout the conservation period.

“From the outset we’ve been focused on achieving a balance between meeting the essential banking needs of our Personal and Commercial customers with the equally important need to respond to the provincial request to reduce energy usage,” said Pam Robertson, Executive Vice-President, Ontario Division, BMO Bank of Montreal.

“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding effort of all of the employees of BMO Financial Group who responded so well to this unexpected situation.”

Customers continue to have access to BMO’s full range of products and services, including personal and commercial banking, online banking, telephone banking, investment services, and credit card services.

BMO is encouraging its customers who have been negatively impacted by some banking charges as a result of the power outage to contact them by visiting their BMO Bank of Montreal branch or by calling its toll-free number: 1- 800-555-3000. Bank staff will review a customer's situation on an individual basis.  For example, BMO will reverse the $1.50 Interac fee if BMO customers had to use ABMs other than BMO Bank of Montreal's from Friday, August 15 until Sunday, August 17, 2003.

“Our data systems continued to function throughout, ensuring the protection and preservation of customer information,” Robertson added.  “Nonetheless, we’re aware that some of our customers have been affected by the power outage.  As in the past, we’re dedicated to working with our customers to help them through this period.”

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