CMP Monitoring Power Grid, Weather During Heatwave

AUGUSTA, ME — June 29, 2021 — Central Maine Power (CMP) has taken measures to prepare the electric grid for increased demand for power during this week’s heatwave. CMP will continue to monitor the impact on the electric grid, with heat expected to persist into Wednesday.

“Folks tend to utilize more energy during warm weather events, like we are seeing this week,” said Kerri Therriault, CMP’s Director of Electric Operations. “This increased demand can create challenges for the electric system, which is why we are continuing to monitor customer usage and mitigate the effects on the grid wherever we can.”

Among the actions taken, non-emergency repairs and construction have been postponed so that needed power lines are available and in-service to meet customer demand. CMP, in conjunction with ISO-New England, will continue to monitor the electric system around-the-clock in the coming days as the warm weather continues.

In addition to preparing the electric system for the weather ahead, CMP offers hot-weather conservation and safety tips, including:

  • Close curtains or shades during daylight hours to reduce penetration of heat into the home.
  • Make sure air-conditioner filters are clean and debris has been removed.
  • Turn off air conditioners when leaving home for extended periods of time.
  • Set your thermostat to a slightly warmer temperature if health permits.
  • Whenever possible, delay using major appliances such as pool pumps, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers until after 8 p.m.
  • Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

For information on cooling centers located across the state, please click here.

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 636,000 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. In 2019, CMP was named Large Business of the Year by the Kennebec Valley United Way. For more information, visit www.cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) is a leading, sustainable energy company with approximately $36 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states. With headquarters in Orange, Connecticut, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: Avangrid Networks and Avangrid Renewables. Avangrid Networks owns eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Avangrid Renewables owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs approximately 6,600 people. AVANGRID supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2019 and 2020 by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.

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