NSTAR Encourages Customers to Prepare for Winter Storm

With a major nor’easter expected to impact our area beginning tomorrow, NSTAR will activate its emergency response plan as preparations continue for a significant impact on the electric grid.  The company is advising customers to make advanced preparations as well.  While no utility can prevent widespread power outages in the face of devastating storms, NSTAR is on high alert and workers are prepared to mobilize.

“We’re well into our preparations for responding to potentially widespread power outages resulting from the nor’easter’s high winds and heavy snow,” said Craig Hallstrom, President of NSTAR Electric.  “We prepare year-round for storms like this and stand ready to address damage to our system as soon as it becomes safe to do so.” 

As all 3,000 NSTAR employees prepare to assist in the storm response effort, the company has also secured additional contractor line and tree crews to join forces with its own workers.  In anticipation of high snowfall amounts and whiteout driving conditions, NSTAR will pre-position workers across its service area in advance of the storm, including on Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard where travel may become impossible due to the potential for bridge closures and ferry service interruption.  With safety a top priority, crews will respond to calls as weather conditions allow.

Customers can prepare for storm damage and power outages by assembling a storm kit in advance and making arrangements to protect themselves and their families.  Some suggestions for items to include in a storm kit are:

• Flashlights with spare batteries
• A battery-operated radio or TV
• First-aid kit and medications
• Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated foods
• A manual can opener
• Bottled water
• Baby or pet supplies
• Important phone numbers

Customers dependent on electricity for critical medical needs are urged to make preparations now to switch to a backup source or move to an alternate location if necessary.  NSTAR also reminds all customers that, while back-up emergency generators can be very useful during power outages, it’s crucial to personal safety and the safety of others, including NSTAR line crews, that they be installed and operated properly.

-NSTAR