United Illuminating Reports Restoration Success

On Wednesday, Feb. 2, the United Illuminating Company sent out the following press release:

The snow, sleet and freezing rain that has, as predicted, covered most of the Northeast still lingers today. According to the National Weather Service (NOAA), rain remains in effect for coastal New England while winter weather advisories and winter storm warnings remain in effect for the interior sections of New England. UIL Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries have been on alert since Tuesday,
Feb. 1 — when part-one of the storm began.

The peak so far has affected approximately 7,000 of The United Illuminating
Company (UI) customers. UI staff and crews have been working around the
clock in their restoration efforts. The first outages began at around 9:00
a.m., and during the course of the day the company has successfully brought
the vast majority of customers back online and secured wires down in
various locations.

As of 4 p.m. EST, there are only 55 customers without power, with crews
continuing to work overnight to restore service. The gas operations for
Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) responded to
four building collapses to shut off and secure service.  The Berkshire Gas
Company (BGC) service territory has been largely unaffected by the weather.

“With the storm predicted to be a multi-day event we held crews overnight
in anticipation of any outages,” said Joe Thomas, UI’s vice president of
Electric System Operations and Client Fulfillment. “We also activated UI’s
storm center and call center at 5 a.m. this morning. The entire company has
been galvanized to support safe and timely restorations of power to our
customers.”

UI will remain in storm mode until company officials lift the alert based
on weather reports and the successful restoration of customers. UI will
continue working with the state, municipal and town leadership to identify
priorities and critical areas to be addressed.

UI encourages customers to take extra precautions during storms. Always
avoid downed power lines and be mindful of gas odors. If you see a downed
power line, need to report an electrical power outage, or smell gas, please
call your utility toll-free with the location and any specifics.


Reporting numbers:

     UI at 1-800-7-CALL-UI (1-800-722-5584)

     SCG at 1-800-513-8898

     CNG at 1-866-924-5325

     BGC at 1-800-292-5012.


Customers are also reminded to keep natural gas meters clear of snow and
ice. Snow and ice accumulation may interfere with the operation of natural
gas meters and regulators, or may slow access in case of an emergency. Snow
removal activities can also pose a hazard to gas meter assemblies or
piping, and result in a dangerous leak. Snow should not be pushed or piled
around meters. As well, care should be taken in the operation of snow
blowers or plows around natural gas meters to avoid damage. Natural gas
meters and regulators should be kept clear of snow and ice by using a broom
or by hand – not a shovel. Should a natural gas meter become encased in
ice, or begin to make an unusual noise, customers should contact their gas
company.