GMP Crews Work Through Night Restoring Power to More Than 21,000 Customers, High Winds Intensify Today and More Outages Expected
High Water and Localized Flooding Creating Safety Concerns for Customers and Crews, GMP Urging Everyone to Stay Far Away From Downed Trees and Wires As they Could Be Energized
COLCHESTER, Vt. – Green Mountain Power (GMP) is urging customers to stay away from downed lines after an overnight storm slammed the region. GMP crews worked through the night restoring power to more than 21,000 customers as the Halloween storm hit the Northeast with heavy rain and strong winds leaving about 800,000 customers without power region-wide and still climbing. GMP crews were positioned around the state to respond quickly and safely for customers, and GMP brought in nearly 100 line workers from Quebec, Massachusetts and Maine in advance of the storm to help. Forecasters say the strong winds will intensify and continue through this afternoon, and more outages are expected and widespread damage means restoration work could be slow going in some locations.
GMP is warning customers to be safe, as the intense winds have knocked down many trees and wires that could still be energized. Everyone should stay far away from any tree and wire that was knocked down in the storm, a minimum of 30 feet.
“This storm packed a one-two punch of strong wind, and forecasters tell us the worst winds could be today. We are responding as quickly and safely as possible for customers, but we want them to be alert, and prepared for outages,” said Mike Burke, GMP’s Chief Field Operations Executive. Forecasts call for gusts topping 55mph. “Another factor crews are facing with this storm is the heavy rainfall overnight. Roadways are flooded or washed away in some spots making travel difficult. Crews had to find new routes because of closed roads, and in many cases, clear downed lines on roads just to get around.”
The National Weather Service says swollen waterways will continue to rise due to the heavy rain. GMP is urging safety for everyone who has to be outside and for customers to be prepared. Stay alert, stay away from all downed lines or trees, and don’t ever drive over water covered roads. Customers can call 888-835-4672 to report outages, and should call 911 for a medical emergency.
For more GMP storm safety tips, and to sign up for text alerts visit the Safety Guide
Report outages and track restoration times in GMP’s online Outage Center
About Green Mountain Power
Green Mountain Power (GMP) serves approximately 265,000 residential and business customers in Vermont and is partnering with them to improve lives and transform communities. GMP is focused on a new way of doing business to meet the needs of customers with integrated energy services that help people use less energy and save money, while continuing to generate clean, cost-effective and reliable power in Vermont. GMP earned a spot on Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies in the World list three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019). 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. J.D. Power’s 2018 and 2019 rankings put GMP among top utilities for customer satisfaction. In 2019, GMP was named “One of the Best Places To Work in Vermont” by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, and was the winner of the Deane C. Davis Outstanding Vermont Business of the Year Award.
Kristin Kelly, Green Mountain Power
(802) 318-0872
[email protected]