CMP Responding to Major Nor’easter

Severe damage from fallen trees due to heavy snow loading will push restoration into early next week for some customers

 

Hundreds of line crews and tree crews are pre-staging ahead of the storm 

Augusta, ME — April 4, 2024 — CMP crews are responding to widespread tree damage across its service area brought on by Thursday’s major snowstorm. Snow loading on trees from more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and strong winds are the primary causes of damage. CMP has received over 1,200 calls from local emergency management agencies and has already restored power to nearly 35,000 customers so far. 314,000 customers remain without power as the long-duration Nor’easter continues to impact Maine. 

CMP is also in the process of deploying critical equipment and materials to areas including Fryeburg, Wiscasset, and Bucksport to support the company’s eleven regional service centers. The company will also have additional customer service representatives standing by to assist customers starting on Wednesday.

“The damage from these fallen trees is significant and our arborists have observed that this is some of the worst snow loading on trees they have seen in more than a decade,” said Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. “Hundreds of additional line and tree crews are enroute to Maine to support the more than 450 external line crews and 250 tree crews already deployed in the field. We are also coordinating the use of cranes to remove large hazard trees in some areas.” 

Ahead of this storm, CMP released this informational video about how our company’s power restoration process works.

Preparations leading up to today’s storm have allowed CMP crews to focus on making downed lines safe, clearing fallen trees from roads, and responding to storm impacts to its transmission lines and substations, which can impact large groups of customers. 

Customers can report outages quickly and easily, and track restoration times, using the CMP mobile app. Download from the App Store or text APP to 267.898 for a downloadable link. Customers may also enroll in Outage Alerts to stay informed in the event they lose power.

Customers may find storm preparation tips and a checklist on the CMP website. CMP reminds customers to remember the following if they have lost power:

  • Stay away from downed lines. No line is safe to touch.
  • Turn off or unplug major appliances and sensitive electronics.
  • Never use ranges or outdoor stoves to heat your home.
  • If you need shelter or food, reach out to 211 for available resources.

If you lose service

  • For fast outage reporting, use the CMP mobile app or visit Outage Central.
  • Keep sensitive electronic appliances such as computers, TVs and stereos plugged into a surge protector, or unplug them. They could be damaged if a power surge occurs when electricity is restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. For information about food safety, visit http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/refridg_food.html. 

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.

#  #  #

Media Contact:

Jon Breed
Jonathan.Breed@avangrid.com
207.458.3510

Node: liferay-0:8080