GMP Urges Customers to Stay Alert to Changing Conditions
Vermont Business Magazine A storm slammed the region overnight and into this morning, knocking out power to thousands of customers across the region. The storm continues to move through the Northeast region, and is expected to bring snow, freezing rain, and gusty winds to Vermont through Tuesday evening. Much of the snow is heavy and wet, resulting in downed trees and power outages. GMP is urging safety for customers as crews respond to outages and encourages customers to stay off the roads if possible, as the wintry weather system will stay in the region through the afternoon.
GMP crews were ready across the state to respond, and GMP brought in additional external crews in advance of the storm to help. GMP crews have already restored power to over 15,000 customers and are responding quickly and safely to continued outages caused by the heavy wet snow. New outages are expected as the snow continues to fall this morning, and gusty winds enter the region this afternoon.
“We track multiple forecasts for days in advance so that we can be in the right place to respond as quickly and safely as possible for our customers. Our crews are responding to the outages this morning and will work around the clock to get the power back on,” said GMP’s Eric Lemery Director of Operations. “We want everyone to be alert to the changing weather conditions and always stay far away from any downed lines or trees as they could still be energized. Please report any issues to us immediately so we can help.”
More storm preparation tips are available on GMP’s website. The GMP app is a great way to report outages, track power restoration times, and manage your GMP account from your cellphone. For medical emergencies, always call 911. You can also report outages by calling GMP at 888-835-4672, and through GMP’s online Outage Center.
VEC says Extended Outages Expected- Be Prepared
As of noon on Tuesday, more than 58% of (or 23,100) Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) members have experienced a power outage due to heavy wet snow event affecting the Northeast region. There have been over 110 separate VEC outage events. Increasing winds are expected to cause more outages and increased estimated restoration times. Some outages are expected to last into Wednesday. Crews have already restored approximately 15,525 VEC members and will restore the remaining members as soon as safely possible. VEC is urging Vermonters to be prepared, stay safe, and look out for their neighbors.
“We have been preparing for this weather event and our crews are putting all their effort into getting the power back on as quickly as possible,“ said Peter Rossi, VEC’s Chief Operating Officer. “This is one of those events where the heavy snow, coupled with increasing winds, is knocking out power all across the region. We are working with our utility partners across the region to support each other during this challenging situation. We are focused on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”
Outage safety tips include:
- Keep your distance from downed power lines
- Check on elderly neighbors and relatives
- Use generators and stoves safely
- Prepare for when power comes back on by turning off or disconnecting electronics.
Current estimated restoration times can be viewed at VEC’s outage page: https://outages.
Green Mountain Power serves approximately 270,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and is partnering with them to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is meeting the needs of customers with integrated energy services that cut carbon and costs, while generating clean, cost-effective, and reliable power. GMP is the first utility in the world to get a B Corp certification, meeting rigorous social, environmental, accountability and transparency standards and committing to use business as a force for good. In 2022, GMP was named to TIME’s list of the 100 Most Innovative Companies. Fast Company named GMP one of the top five Most Innovative Companies in North America in 2022. GMP also earned a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list in the energy sector four years in a row. In 2021, the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) honored GMP as a nationwide leader in energy transformation.
COLCHESTER, Vt. – GMP 4.19.2022. Johnson, VEC
