Submitted by: Mitch Gross, Eversource
NEWS RELEASE: Energy company reminds customers to stay clear of downed power lines and report outages.
BERLIN, Conn. (Nov. 16, 2020) – Hundreds of Eversource line and tree crews are working urgently to restore power following the intense wind and rainstorm Sunday night that left thousands of Connecticut customers without power. Operating under its COVID-19 pandemic plan and adhering to strict safety protocols, Eversource crews are working to clear blocked roads, assess damage and restore power to customers impacted by the storm. As of 9 a.m., crews have restored power to approximately 20,000 customers since the storm began. Approximately 17,400 Eversource customers in Connecticut remain without power as a result of the storm.
“The combination of heavy rain saturating the ground and high winds that hit the state caused trees already weakened by the prolonged drought to come down, taking power lines with them and leaving thousands of customers without power especially in the western part of the state,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “Our crews are working feverishly in communities affected by this storm to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. We realize how difficult it is to be without power, especially with many customers still working and learning from home during this unprecedented time, and we will work non-stop until every customer has their power restored.”
Intermittent issues Sunday night related to Eversource’s outage reporting system have been resolved and the energy company encourages customers to report any outage online at www.eversource.com, or by calling 800-286-2000. Customers who signed up for the company’s two-way texting feature can send a text to report an outage and receive outage updates as they happen.
The company also reminds customers to always stay clear of downed wires, report them immediately to 9-1-1 and to be cautious while continuing with 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 plan to use a generator should be sure the generator is located well away from their home or business and that the transfer switch is working properly.
