CMP Responding to Outages Caused by Heavy Winds

AUGUSTA, ME — March 29, 2021 — Central Maine Power (CMP) is currently responding to outages caused by heavy winds throughout its service territory. The company currently has 200 internal lineworkers deployed, with assistance from an additional 180 contracted lineworkers and 218 tree workers.

“We are responding as quickly as we can with an emphasis on safety in the face of some very strong winds today,” said Kerri Theriault, CMP’s director of electric operations. “We understand how frustrating it is to be without power, especially when customers are seeing blue skies outside their window. Safety is our top priority and we are not able to send our lineworkers up in buckets when winds are dangerously high, like what we are seeing today. We will continue to make progress wherever and whenever we can, as quickly as possible.”

As of 12 p.m., CMP is reporting about 31,000 outages. With winds forecasted to persist into Monday evening, it is likely that outages will continue to occur even while CMP makes progress on restoration efforts.

CMP is working with closely with local and county Emergency Management officials to ensure roads are cleared of any downed wires and/or debris and to understand local restoration priorities.

CMP offers storm preparation tips and a checklist on their website cmpco.com.

 

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. 

 

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 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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