NATIONAL GRID PLC
News Releases
National Grid's Electric System in New England Continues to Weather the Storm National Grid's Electric System in New England Continues to Weather the StormSevere icing affects NantucketEmployee and public safety remain a priorityJanuary 27, 2015 - As the blizzard of 2015 continues to batter New England, National Grid is monitoring its system for power outages and is ready to deploy crews as soon as it's safe to do so. Company officials continue to urge customers to take appropriate precautions so they stay safe for the duration of the storm. As of 2 p.m., the company reports outages affecting approximately 15,300 customers, roughly 12,700 of which are on the island of Nantucket. "We're still experiencing extremely severe weather and we're not out of the woods yet as far as possible outages go," said Dan Bunszell, vice president of Operations for National Grid in New England. "That being said, so far our electric and gas systems have held up extremely well and outages numbers have been relatively low with the exception of the situation on Nantucket." Bunszell credited the company's significant investments in equipment upgrades and increased tree trimming for the improved resiliency of the system. On Nantucket, however, severe icing has created power problems. According to Bunszell, at approximately 7 am today, Nantucket lost power. The entire island is experiencing severe icing, which knocked out both of the substation transformers. One transformer has been restored, but before the substation is put back in service, all of the power lines on the island must be checked for problems and repaired, if needed, before they can be returned to service. Patrols are being hampered by the weather conditions and repairs must wait until the winds subside enough for crews to work safely in the elevated buckets. In advance of the storm, extra crews were dispatched to the island. As soon as ferry service is restored, three dozen additional crews will be sent to the island to assist with the restoration. Safety Remains a Top Priority As we continue to experience storm conditions, it's important to continue to be vigilant about safety. National Grid advises customers to stay prepared for service interruptions. The company offers the following tips for customers to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety in the event that storm-related power interruptions occur.
National Grid's Electric System in New England Continues to Weather the Storm National Grid's Electric System in New England Continues to Weather the StormSevere icing affects NantucketEmployee and public safety remain a priorityJanuary 27, 2015 - As the blizzard of 2015 continues to batter New England, National Grid is monitoring its system for power outages and is ready to deploy crews as soon as it's safe to do so. Company officials continue to urge customers to take appropriate precautions so they stay safe for the duration of the storm. As of 2 p.m., the company reports outages affecting approximately 15,300 customers, roughly 12,700 of which are on the island of Nantucket. "We're still experiencing extremely severe weather and we're not out of the woods yet as far as possible outages go," said Dan Bunszell, vice president of Operations for National Grid in New England. "That being said, so far our electric and gas systems have held up extremely well and outages numbers have been relatively low with the exception of the situation on Nantucket." Bunszell credited the company's significant investments in equipment upgrades and increased tree trimming for the improved resiliency of the system. On Nantucket, however, severe icing has created power problems. According to Bunszell, at approximately 7 am today, Nantucket lost power. The entire island is experiencing severe icing, which knocked out both of the substation transformers. One transformer has been restored, but before the substation is put back in service, all of the power lines on the island must be checked for problems and repaired, if needed, before they can be returned to service. Patrols are being hampered by the weather conditions and repairs must wait until the winds subside enough for crews to work safely in the elevated buckets. In advance of the storm, extra crews were dispatched to the island. As soon as ferry service is restored, three dozen additional crews will be sent to the island to assist with the restoration. Safety Remains a Top Priority As we continue to experience storm conditions, it's important to continue to be vigilant about safety. National Grid advises customers to stay prepared for service interruptions. The company offers the following tips for customers to minimize inconvenience and maximize safety in the event that storm-related power interruptions occur.
- National Grid customers who experience an outage should call National Grid at 1-800-465- 1212 to expedite restoration.
- Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electricity wires. If you see one, report it immediately to National Grid or your local emergency response organization.
- Power problems can sometimes interrupt public water supply systems or disable well pumps, so it's an especially good idea to keep a supply of bottled drinking water handy, as well as some canned food.
- People who depend on electricity-powered life support equipment, such as a respirator, should let National Grid know. To register as a life support customer, call the company's New England Customer Service Center at 1-800-322-3223.
- Check on elderly family members, neighbors and others who may need assistance during an outage period.
- If you use a generator to supply power during an outage, be sure to operate it outdoors. Before operating a generator, disconnect from National Grid's system by shutting off the main breaker located in the electric service panel. Failure to do this could jeopardize the safety of line crews and the public.
- If you lose power, turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off, but leave one light on so you will know when power is restored.
- Remember, it's not safe to work in an elevated bucket during periods of increased wind gusts. Our line workers begin restoration work only when conditions are deemed safe.
- The buildup of ice and snow around or over gas meters and vents for natural gas appliances could pose a serious safety risk. Ice and snow falling from a roof can damage gas meters or service connections to customers' homes or businesses, resulting in a gas leak.
- Ice and snow blocking vents could cause carbon monoxide (CO) to back up into a building and result in carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside.
- To avoid these dangers, National Grid advises natural gas customers to closely inspect areas around and over gas meters, service hook-ups and vents for ice and snow that could damage equipment or prevent CO from properly venting.
- National Grid advises that you take immediate action anytime you suspect a natural gas leak:
- The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending upon the amount of carbon monoxide in the air and length of exposure, symptoms may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart or loss of muscle control.
- If you suspect carbon monoxide is present in your home, go outside immediately and breathe deeply; then call 911. If symptoms are severe, get medical attention
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