The back-to-back winter storm system that is working its way across New England knocked out power to more than 20,000 CVPS customers last night and this morning, and the storm is expected to continue throughout the day. However, this is only the first wave of the storm, as another system with potentially damaging high winds is expected Thursday and into Friday. As of noon today, CVPS had 10,500 customers still without power. Crews are working as quickly as they safely can today to make repairs, but CVPS continues to take additional outages as the heavy snow keeps coming down. The Rutland-based utility said it has 30 outside contract tree and line crews either on site or on the way today, and is working to secure more in anticipation of the second wave of this storm coming tomorrow afternoon and into Friday.
Outages were scattered across the state, with Addison, Rutland, Windham, Windsor and Franklin counties hardest hit thus far.
“The heavy wet snow really began to pick up throughout the night, and outages started ramping up early this morning,” said CVPS spokeswoman Christine Rivers. “Crews were out working through the night, and our full compliment of crews, assisted by outside contractors will continue to work to restore power throughout the day. Some customers from this wave will most likely be without power through tomorrow.”
Additional outages are expected, as another 6 to 12 inches of heavy, wet snow is expected to fall today.
“We will work as quickly as we safely can to restore power to customers today,” Rivers said. “But we also have our eye on Thursday and Friday’s storm, and are anticipating the possibility of additional widespread outages.”
CVPS offered several safety tips for coping with the outages:
· Treat any downed line as if it is live. Report the line to your local utility and fire department, stay at least 30 feet away from the line, and keep children and pets away as well.
· If using a generator, read and follow the owner’s manual before starting the generator. Never operate a generator inside any structure or near a structure. Use a transfer switch to ensure electricity is not accidentally fed onto a line where line crews must work.
· Keep freezers and refrigerators closed as much as possible to prevent food spoilage.
· If power goes out, turn off all electrical appliances except one light so you’ll know when service returns. Then, turn equipment back on slowly.
Source: Central Vermont Public Service. 2.24.2010
Heavy snow knocks out power to more than 20,000 CVPS customers
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