CMP: Restoration estimates are not expected to be available Monday

Mon, 10/30/2017 - 07:47

Damage at the Camden Public Landing on Monday, Oct. 30. (photo by Lynda Clancy)

AUGUSTA — Central Maine Power Co. (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified energy and utility company, reports widespread outages from strong winds and heavy rain that came through Maine Sunday night and Monday. The company reports more than 350,000 customers – more than half of the energy company's customer base -- were without service at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 30, according to a statement from CMP.

According to the CMP website, there were 13,739 customers in Knox County, 19,805 customers in Waldo County, and 23,648 customers in Lincoln County without power at 11:02 a.m.

"The region is still experiencing strong winds, which create dangerous conditions for service restoration," said Gail Rice, CMP spokesperson. "Our first priority is public safety, and crews are busy grounding and de-energizing downed lines so they don't pose a danger to first responders or the public. This critical step needs to be completed before restoration can begin."

Restoration estimates for specific areas are not expected to be available Monday. CMP expects recovery from this storm to take several days.

CMP secured additional line and tree crews from contractors before the storm reached Maine.

CMP offers customers the following tips to stay safe and comfortable if power outages do occur.

During a power interruption:

· Power outages can be reported on line at CMP's mobile-friendly website (https://m.cmpco.com/mt/ecmp.cmpco.com/WebOutage) or by calling 1.800.696.1000. CMP systems automatically create a work order and set the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.

· Bookmark the Outage Central page at http://www.cmpco.com/Outages/default.html (mobile friendly at https://m.cmpco.com/mt/www.cmpco.com) and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for current outage and safety information.

· When using an emergency heating source, like a wood stove, fireplace, or kerosene heater, keep fuels away from the flames and be sure to ventilate properly.

· Never use grills or camp stoves indoors — they can give off dangerous gases.

· Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible. Most food will last 24 hours or longer if you minimize the opening of refrigerator and freezer doors.

· Turn off or unplug major appliances to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.

For customers with generators:

· Hire a licensed electrician to install permanent generators and transfer switches.

· Properly ground all portable generators.

· Carefully read and observe all instructions in your generator's operating manual.

· Never run a generator indoors, or even in an open garage.

· If your carbon monoxide detector goes off – get out of the building immediately and call 911.

· Do not store fuel indoors or try to refuel a generator while it's running.

· Refer to CMP's web page on generator safety: http://www.cmpco.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/GeneratorSafety/default.html

· Visit http://www.cmpco.com/Outages/storm_safety.html for additional storm safety information.

After Power Is Restored

· Turn on appliances and sensitive electronic equipment one at a time to avoid overloading circuits.

· If a basement or home was flooded, have an electrician check the home before contacting CMP to have services turned on.

· Replenish any emergency supplies used during the storm.

The company urges customers to use caution if they see downed lines.

"Everyone should stay clear of any downed power lines or fallen trees that may be tangled in the lines," said CMP spokesperson Gail Rice. "All downed lines should be considered live and dangerous. Customers should leave the clean-up to our crews, who are trained and equipped to handle these situations safely."

CMP also reminds drivers to use caution when approaching utility crews. The working conditions are difficult, and the workers appreciate everyone's consideration for their safety.

Additional information on storm safety and restoration, including a town-by-town listing of outages in the CMP service area with an area map, can be found on CMP's web site at www.cmpco.com.

KNOX COUNTY — A storm forecast to bring wind gusts in excess of 50 mph blew into Midcoast Maine overnight on Sunday, October 29. Heavy rain and powerful sustained winds caused downed trees and wires in many areas, making for hazardous travel conditions.Throughout the Midcoast, firefighters worked to tend to safety hazards on the morning of Oct. 30, and advised that those out on the roads use caution and allow firefighters to perform their duties as they continued to work in gale force conditions.

The storm has left many area schools closed, and more than 4,000 Central Maine Power customers in Knox County, as well as more than 7,300 in Waldo County are without power as of 7:45 a.m. Oct. 30.

CMP serves approximately 25,000 customers in Knox County and outages were being reported in numerous towns as follows:

Appleton: 297

Camden: 39

Cushing: 246

Friendship: 924

Hope: 320

Rockland: 4

Rockport: 158

South Thomaston: 24

St. George: 34

Union: 654

Warren: 425