We’re Prepared to Respond to Strong Windstorm

Roughly 325 additional line crews and 250 tree crews will be pre-staged at locations across CMP’s service area overnight Sunday 

AUGUSTA, ME — December 10, 2023 — A strong windstorm will enter Central Maine Power’s service area Sunday evening, bringing strong, southerly winds and heavy rains to coastal and interior parts of the state through the overnight. Tree damage is likely, and CMP has secured and pre-staged additional resources to restore power if customers are impacted by damaging winds.
 
“Over the course of the evening, line and tree crews will be dispatched to locations across our service area,” said Jon Breed, spokesperson for Central Maine Power. “What is unique about this storm is that winds will be coming from the south. Because Maine’s trees grow to withstand New England’s more common northeasterly winds, we are concerned that tree-related damage could be more significant than normal.”
 
In addition to the forecasted wind and rain, meteorologists anticipate a dip in temperatures on Monday. This could lead to icing and dangerous road conditions in some areas. 
 
“In the wake of last week’s snowstorm, our crews responded to 24 vehicle accidents involving utility poles. We urge everyone to exercise caution if on the road on Monday,” Breed continued.
 
In addition to power outages, CMP will also coordinate with local emergency management agencies should road closures or coastal flooding occur. For safety reasons, CMP crews are prohibited from raising bucket trucks when windspeeds are greater than 30 mph.
 
B/roll: CMP line and tree crews pre-stage in Wells, Maine on 12/10/2023
 
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 appliance 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.

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About CMP: Central Maine Power Company (CMP), a subsidiary of AVANGRID, Inc., is Maine’s largest electricity transmission and distribution utility. Established in 1899 and based in Augusta, Maine, CMP serves approximately 646,000 customers across 346 communities in central and southern Maine. It operates approximately 23,500 miles of distribution lines and 2,900 miles of transmission lines. Over the last decade, the company has invested approximately $3.5 billion in Maine system infrastructure.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, AVANGRID owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, AVANGRID owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs more than 7,500 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2023, AVANGRID ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. AVANGRID is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit https://www.avangrid.com.

Media Contact:

Jon Breed
Jonathan.Breed@avangrid.com
207.458.3510

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