CMP Restoring Power After Strong Wind and Rain

More than 75% of impacted customers have had power restored

AUGUSTA, ME — May 1, 2023 — Central Maine Power (CMP) is making good progress toward restoring power to customers affected by the high winds and heavy rains which impacted Maine overnight Sunday. More than 200 additional line crews, including some from AVANGRID’s sister company in Connecticut, have joined CMP in restoring power to more than 75% of customers impacted by this storm. 

“Hundreds of crews have been working since the onset of this storm to restore power in each of our affected communities safely and quickly,” said CMP spokesperson, Jon Breed. “While some teams have encountered blocked roads due to downed trees and localized flooding, we are making good progress and will continue working until all customers have their power restored.”  

Affecting the speed of restoration in some locations are roads blocked by significant flooding. This could slow CMP’s ability to access certain areas and result in outage restoration lasting into Tuesday for some customers. 

Customers can report outages quickly and easily, and track restoration times, using the CMP Mobile App. Download from the App Store or text APP to 267.898 for a downloadable link. Customers may also enroll in Outage Alerts to stay informed in the event they lose power.

Customers may find storm preparation tips and a checklist on our website.

In preparation for every storm, CMP works closely with local Emergency Management officials to ensure local needs are prioritized for road and debris clearing, making sure emergency vehicles are not blocked by downed lines.
 

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 ranges or outdoor stoves to heat your home.

  • If you need shelter or food, reach out to 211 for available resources.


If you lose service:

  • For fast outage reporting, use the CMP Mobile App or visit Outage Central.
  • 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.

About AVANGRID: AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, AVANGRID has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, AVANGRID owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, AVANGRID owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. AVANGRID employs more than 7,500 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2023, AVANGRID ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2022 for the fourth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. AVANGRID is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit https://www.avangrid.com.

Media Contact:

Jon Breed
Jonathan.Breed@avangrid.com
207.458.3510

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