CMP Preparing for Weekend Snow Storm

Heavy, wet snow and wind expected through CMP’s service territory  

AUGUSTA, Maine — December 4, 2020 – Central Maine Power (CMP) is preparing to respond to potential outages over the weekend, with heavy, wet snow and wind expected across its service territory Saturday into Sunday. CMP has 300 line crews positioned, including 100 internal CMP crews, with support from in- and out-of-state contractors, including crews from its sister companies in Connecticut and New York. CMP also has 175 tree crews ready to respond.  

“Current weather forecasts suggest that most Mainers will see a combination of heavy, wet snow and wind,” said Kerri Therriault, Director of Electric Operations for CMP. “This weather combination can lead to broken tree limbs falling on power lines and may ultimately result in outages. Our crews are well positioned across our service area and ready to respond throughout the weekend.”

CMP has been coordinating with the Maine Emergency Management Agency, County Emergency Management agencies, and local municipalities to understand restoration priorities and any safety concerns. 

CMP continues to observe all COVID-19 safety protocols in storm response including:

- Working in separate teams to minimize contact
- Restricting visitor access to company facilities
- Entering a customer residence only in the event of emergency and after assessing risk
- Maintaining appropriate social distancing in the field
- Allowing one employee per vehicle
- Wearing masks

Customers may use online tools, accessible at www.cmpco.com to report and monitor outages.

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 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.

Media Contact:

  • Catharine Hartnett
    catharine.hartnett@avangrid.com
    207.458-3510 (cell)
  • 24/7 Media Hotline
    1.833.MEDIA.55 (833.633.4255)
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