Hurricane Irene: As Storm Strengthens CL&P Gets Ready

The following is a press release from Connecticut, Light & Power.

With Hurricane Irene expected to impact Connecticut this weekend, Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) is implementing its communication and restoration plans to respond to storm issues as quickly and safely as possible.

“We plan for the worst and hope for the best," said Jeff Butler, president and chief operating officer for the utility company. "CL&P has a comprehensive plan to respond to Hurricane Irene-caused problems in Connecticut. We are cancelling vacations and putting all of our people on stand-by. Our parent company, Northeast Utilities is coordinating for us and our sister companies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire to secure both additional line crews and tree crews to expedite restoration.”

“We’re also in close contact with town, state and emergency management officials to make sure all of our efforts are in sync,” said Butler. "Our customers need to be ready too. If current projections hold true, our state will be impacted by the storm this weekend and CL&P customers should prepare for potential power outages that could last a week or more in some areas."

Hurricane Irene's current path appears to be a direct hit to the Connecticut coast, somewhere between Bridgeport and New Haven. In preparation, CL&P has opened its Emergency Operations Center and is staffing all of our Area Work Center Storm Rooms. Vacations have been cancelled for all employees and all of crews are on call to help with restoration efforts once the storm passes and it is safe to begin work.     

CL&P currently has approximately 800 line and tree crews and other support staff ready to respond. In addition, the company continues its efforts to contract with additional crews to assist with the restoration.  

Once conditions allow, CL&P will begin responding to 911 calls to de-energize downed wires and make the area safe. The company will then turn its attention to working with town public works crews to clear roads for emergency vehicles and begin restoring power to customers.  

The company anticipates in some areas it will take several days or more to restore power to all customers. CL&P is encouraging its customers to be proactive and informed. Here are some tips from the company to help prepare for whatever weather comes Connecticut's way:

Prepare a "storm kit" and keep it handy. It should include:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• A battery-operated radio or TV
• First-aid kit and medications
• Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
• A manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Baby or pet supplies (if needed)
• Important phone numbers

Have a backup plan for life support equipment. If you have life support equipment, you need a backup plan to cope with storm-related outages. That plan should include:

• An alternate source of electric power such as a battery backup system, an uninterruptible power supply or a properly installed generator for the life support equipment
• Emergency telephone numbers (doctor, fire, police and ambulance)
• A procedure to vacate your home during a prolonged outage

Report power outages by calling CL&P at 800-286-2000 or 860-947-2000 in the Hartford/Meriden area. CL&P's automated phone system will processes reports, which also helps the company speed restoration efforts, company officials said. It also provides restoration estimates as soon as they’re available, they said.

For tips and news updates, customers can follow the company on Twitter @CTLightandPower. Also, costumers can receive updates on outages in their town by texting “outage” and their zip code to 24612.