CMP Prepares for Wet Snow, Wintry Mix

AUGUSTA, ME—February 3, 2022– Central Maine Power (CMP) is preparing to respond to the storm expected to arrive overnight bringing some rain, some wet snow and possibly freezing rain in some areas. The company’s 200 lineworkers will be assisted by 114 contractor crews from both in Maine and out of state, and 97 tree crews.

“We have been watching this storm almost since the end of last week’s storm and have been preparing based on what we expect for weather and where we expect it to impact the state,” said CMP vice president of electric operations, Adam Desrosiers. “This storm may bring some wet, heavy snow and possibly some freezing rain, both of which can cause tree limbs to break and fall on power lines.”

The snow is expected to enter the state later Thursday and continue into Friday. Gusty winds are not expected to be much of a factor in this event.

Making local areas safe from any downed wires or debris is always a top priority during a storm. CMP has coordinated with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, County Emergency Management agencies, and local municipalities to understand local restoration priorities and any safety concerns. 

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 range or outdoor stoves to heat your home.
  • If you need shelter or food, reach out to 211 for available resource.

Customers can find storm preparation tips and a checklist on our website and enroll online in Outage Alerts to stay current in the event they lose power.

If you lose service:

  • To report an outage, visit Outage Central at cmpco.com. Customers may also report an outage using CMP’s 24/7 automated phone system at 800.696.1000. 
  • 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. For more information, visit cmpco.com.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $39 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, 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 7,000 people and has been recognized by Forbes and Just Capital as one of the 2021 JUST 100 companies - a list of America's best corporate citizens - and was ranked number one within the utility sector for its
commitment to the environment and the communities it serves. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2021 for the third consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. For more information, visit avangrid.com.

 

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