Submitted by Mitch Gross, Eversource.
BERLIN, Conn. (Dec. 25, 2020) – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working to restore power following the intense rain and windstorm overnight that left thousands of Connecticut customers without power. Workers are in the process of clearing blocked roads, assessing damage and restoring power to customers affected by the storm. As of 3 p.m., crews have restored power to more than 44,000 customers since the storm began. Approximately 12,000 Eversource customers in Connecticut remain without power as a result of the storm. Those customers are encouraged to check on their ETR (estimated time of restoration) by checking the company’s outage map at Eversource.com, those who’ve signed up for two-way texting can text “stat” to 23129 or calling Eversource at 800-286-2000.
“We know the timing of this storm couldn’t have been worse as people are trying to celebrate the Christmas holiday,” said Eversource Chairman, President and CEO Jim Judge. “The damaging winds and heavy rains with this storm caused damage to the electric system and caused widespread power outages in 117 of the 149 towns we serve. We’re bringing in crews from our New Hampshire and Massachusetts teams to help with the restoration in Connecticut. Our employees – many of whom sacrificed their holiday – are committed to working around-the-clock until all of our customers affected by this storm have their power back. I want to thank the extraordinary efforts of our lineworkers and team members who are out in the weather today, away from their families on Christmas.”
Customers in communities in central and eastern Connecticut will have their power restored by midnight tonight. Many of the outages in hard hit western Connecticut are more complex and will take additional time to complete. The vast majority of customers in those communities will have power restored by tomorrow at midnight, with most being restored before that.
This morning’s heavy rain expedited snow melt leading to flooding concerns. Eversource reminds customers flooding can cause damage to a home furnace or other natural gas appliances and some natural gas heating systems may be affected in the event of a power interruption. If flooding is severe, natural gas appliances should not be used until inspected by a licensed plumber or contractor. Once that is completed, Eversource can turn gas service back on and safely relight appliances.
The company also reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires, report them immediately to 9-1-1 and to be cautious when doing their own storm clean up – be careful moving or cutting tree limbs and look for any wires that may be entangled in debris. Additionally, customers who are without power and using a generator are reminded to be sure the generator is located well away from their home or business and that the transfer switch is working properly.
