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Home > FACT SHEET: Power Restoration Progressing

FACT SHEET: Power Restoration Progressing

 

December 14, 2008

11:30 AM

 

AUGUSTA, MAINE – The State continues to responding in the aftermath of a major winter storm that has created hazardous driving conditions and cut power to thousands of Mainers.

Status:

  • Approximately 86,000 accounts remain without power in Central Maine Power (CMP) service area, the great majority in the Alfred, Portland and Brunswick service areas

  • CMP reports that:

    • They have restored service to all of its three-phase distribution system in Portland and Brunswick service areas. Three three-phase lines form the backbone of the company’s distribution network. Today, the company continues to work on three-phase system in York County, and on restoring service along second streets in rural and residential areas.
    • The company is expecting more than 100 lineworkers to reach the area today from Bangor Hydro Electric, Maine Public Service and from utilities in Michigan, New Brunswick, New York. More than 850 lineworkers and arborists will be in the field by later.
    • CMP expects to have power restored to all customers in communities served by its Augusta, Bridgton, and Rockland offices by Sunday evening.

  • 32 shelters and warming centers open, 5 operated by the American Red Cross, 27 operated by communities.

  • Governor Baldacci is visiting affected communities today.
  • Governor John E. Baldacci has issued an amended Emergency Declaration to all fuel transport and delivery trucks to operated extended hours.
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning is a major safety concerns for those staying in their homes; the Maine CDC reports a rise in reported carbon monoxide cases (see safety information, below)

Key safety messages:

  • Check on neighbors, family and friends to make sure they are staying warm and safe.
  • Stay clear of downed power lines, and report them to your local electrical utility.
  • If you have food in refrigerators and freezers, use care in keeping it cold. Do not eat any food that you suspect may be contaminated.
  • Use generators and alternative heat sources carefully, in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. Carbon monoxide poisoning can result by using these appliances in enclosed spaces.
  • Exercise caution when using power tools, especially chain saws, in clearing fallen limbs and trees. Do not attempt to clear tree debris that is tangled with power lines; call your electric utility.

Important phone numbers and web sites:

Safety fact sheets are available at http://www.maine.gov/mema and http://www.maineprepares.com.

Included are:

 

Contact:

State EOC
207-624-4400