Electric utility workers battle wind damage

6 years ago

BANGOR, Maine — As heavy winds start to subside Monday afternoon, Emera Maine crews are focused on supporting emergency service crews and have started to make repairs to electricity transmission systems.

According to Emera public relations officer Judy Long, because of the number of lines brought down by this storm, workers are taking extra measures to patrol lines before restoring power.

The number of service interruptions has climbed past 80,000, and strong wind gusts are still expected today in the Maine Public District in Aroostook County. Those who do not have power at this time should prepare to remain without service through the evening or longer, as it will take days to restore service to all Emera Maine customers, Long said via a press release at 4 p.m. Monday.

“However, all available crews are working on the system, and additional external crews have been brought in to assist with restoration efforts. We continue to update our Live Outage & Restoration Map , and we ask for customers’ patience if they are not able to immediately load the map. We will continue to take action to keep it available and updated,” she added.

No one should touch a downed power line or a tree in contact with a downed line. Motorists should slow down or move over and change lanes, when possible, if approaching utility crews working on roadways.

Customers who use generators or alternate heating sources are reminded to ensure they are used in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines at all times.

Customers may report outages via Emera’s website or by calling the Customer Contact Center at (207) 973-2000 or 1-855-EMERA11 (1-855-363-7211), or follow them on Twitter at @emerame.