CMP Prepared for Winter Storm

CMP News

Central Maine Power Company, 83 Edison Drive, Augusta, ME 04336 (207) 622-NEWS 

Corporate Communications - corpcomm@cmpco.com 

 

 

Release: Immediate  

Media Contacts: Gail Rice, 207.622.NEWS, gail.rice@cmpco.com

 

 

 

CMP Prepared for Winter Storm

Gale force winds could cause power outages in central and southern Maine

 

AUGUSTA, Maine, January 26, 2015 Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is getting ready for a winter storm forecast to move up the east coast and hit Maine on Tuesday. CMP has equipped and fueled utility trucks, and key CMP personnel are holding periodic pre-storm planning sessions to discuss staffing levels and finalize storm-response plans.
 
"We've put our storm response plan into motion, and we're watching the forecast closely, said Gail Rice, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. "High winds are always a concern, and while the snow is expected to be dry and less likely to coat tree limbs and wires, it could still create tough travel and working conditions. So we're getting crews, equipment, and materials in place to respond.

The utility is checking the availability of contract crews to assist local crews if the storm causes widespread damage. CMP is also keeping the Maine Emergency Management Agency informed on preparation efforts.

 

If outages occur, CMP urges customers to call the toll-free outage hotline: 1.800.696.1000.

 

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


Before a storm strikes:

  • Keep battery-operated flashlights and radios on hand, along with supplies of drinking water and non-perishable foods.
  • Make sure that smart phones, tablets, and other mobile devices are fully charged.
  • Fill your car's fuel tank.

 

During a power interruption:

  • To report a power interruption, contact CMP at 1.800.696.1000. Our telephone system automatically creates a work order and sets the stage for dispatch of crews to the outage location.
  • 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.

 

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

 

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 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.

 

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About Central Maine Power Company (CMP): Central Maine Power Company, a subsidiary of Iberdrola USA, is Maine's largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. The company delivers about 9 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually to more than 600,000 homes and businesses, representing about 80% of Maine's annual consumer sales of electricity. J.D. Power and Associates has ranked the company #1 in customer satisfaction seven times. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

About Iberdrola USA: Iberdrola USA is the U.S. subsidiary of global energy leader Iberdrola, S.A. The Iberdrola USA companies employ about 5,000 people with operations in 24 states from New England to the West Coast, providing electricity generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas storage and distribution, and energy services. For more information, please visit our website: www.iberdrolausa.com. Follow us on Twitter: @IberdrolaUSA 

 

 

 


 

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