[box]from United Illuminating[/box]
The United Illuminating Company has completed major restoration efforts in its service territory and has released its crews to help restore electric service to the rest of the state.
In all, UI restored power to 52,038 customers following the unseasonable Oct. 29 snowstorm. The effort was complicated and slowed by the fact that customers continued to lose service for days after the storm ended, as wet, heavy snow wreaked ongoing damage to vulnerable trees that had yet to shed their leaves.
“This was a challenging recovery effort, increased by the fact that our customers experienced new outages after the storm ended,” said James P. Torgerson, chief executive officer of UIL Holdings. “We are pleased and proud that we were able to complete this without incident or injury to the public, our employees, or our contractors.”
Power in North Haven has been fully restored.
“Our crews will now be able to assist with storm recovery elsewhere in Connecticut and the region, where they are badly needed,” added Anthony J. Vallillo, UIL’s executive vice president and chief operating officer. On Monday, President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration ordering federal aid to supplement state and local response efforts.
The company urged any UI customers who are still without power to call UI, to ensure that the company has been informed of the problem and can work to restore service.
UI also reminded the public to avoid downed lines and damaged electrical equipment. People should assume that wires and equipment are live and dangerous. Stay far away and report the location and details to UI by calling 800-722-5584 (800-7-CALL-UI).
Customers who need other types of assistance should dial 211 to reach the state’s Infoline, which can put them in touch with a variety of local services. Or, they can contact the American Red Cross or their local municipal emergency numbers.