World News – USA – Energy companies prepare for windy, wet Christmas storm

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – The forecast is for a wet and windy Christmas instead of a white one. Utilities are preparing, and so should you.

« We’re busy and ready to go. Says Douglas Herling, President and CEO of Central Maine Power.

CMP is on the lookout for high winds and rain that could affect power supplies for Mainers across the state.

« We have a hundred line crews that will arrive tomorrow morning at 5:00 AM, and we have 90 tree crews and 75 line crews that will be on the ground at the start of the storm. Says Herling.

Versant Power is also ready to reconnect customers when the lights go out. Judy Long, communications manager, says they are ready.

« We’ve been working all week to make sure our resources are lined up. We have network technicians, line workers and all support staff ready to restore the power supply safely and as quickly as possible on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. ”

The high winds expected during the storm can delay power restoration, especially along the coast where gusts can reach 65 miles per hour.

“For safety reasons, the line workers cannot climb into the buckets when the wind is blowing more than 45 miles per hour. Says Herling.

It’s worth going over contingency plans with your family, talking about what you will do if the power goes out or a fire starts. Chandler Corriveau, Bangor’s assistant fire chief, wants people to stay safe.

« If you lose power and work on the generator, you obviously don’t want to keep your generator running inside. They want to make sure that you are not home. If you do need to refuel, you should let it cool down a bit before adding fuel. ”

Should the worst occur and a fire breaks out in your home, get out, call 911, and do not re-enter the building.

« I can’t be stressed enough to have smoke alarms working and sleep with the door closed. Says Corriveau. “That makes a big difference. ”

Central Maine Power Company, Christmas Day, Emera Maine, Storm, Power Failure