CMP Responds Quickly to Restore Outages

Gusty winds cause tree damage to system

AUGUSTA, ME—April 19, 2022 – Central Maine Power (CMP) is working across the Company’s 11,000 square mile service area to restore storm-related outages caused primarily by high winds early this morning that continue to impact the state. Outage numbers are fluctuating as the storm moves through the state with mid-morning outages at approximately 20,000. In addition to 200 CMP line workers, the Company has 212 contracted line workers and 105 tree crews out in the field.

“Strong wind gusts have uprooted trees and created outages as the trees fall onto the power lines, occasionally breaking utility poles,” said Adam Desrosiers, vice president Electric Operations for CMP. “Coastal areas have been hardest hit although we have seen outages inland as well.”

Crew and public safety are always the top concern and CMP urges drivers to provide plenty of room for crews at work on the roads and to avoid any downed wires or debris.

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

CMP offers storm preparation tips and a checklist on our website www.cmpco.com . Customers may also enroll online in Outage Alerts to stay current in the event they lose power.

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.

If you lose service

  • To report an outage, visit Outage Central . 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 foodsafety.gov.

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 .

# # #

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 $40 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 and operates 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 JUST Capital in 2021 and 2022 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2022, AVANGRID ranked second 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.

Media Contact:

Node: liferay-0:8080