Central Maine Power (CMP) restored power to more than 69,000 customers in 24 hours following a windstorm on March 29.
As a result of heavy, sustained winds throughout its service area, the CMP saw more than 71,000 customers impacted. Maximum wind gusts reached 50 mph in many areas and peaked at 60 mph in areas like Greenville. The utility worked throughout March 30 to ensure power was restored to the remaining 2000 customers.
"Our crews worked hard overnight, successfully restoring power to a vast majority of our customers," Kerri Therriault, the CMP's director of electric operations, said on March 30. "Though we've made great progress, our job is not done. We will continue our efforts throughout the day until each and every customer's power has been restored."
The CMP shifted its resources to the most heavily impacted areas to aid restoration efforts. In addition to the 400 line and tree workers involved in the response on March 29, the utility was assisted by an additional 100 line workers from its sister utilities in Connecticut and New York on March 30.
The CMP observed all COVID-19 safety protocols in storm response, including:
- Working in separate teams to minimize contact.
- Restricting visitor access to company facilities.
- Entering a customer residence only in the event of emergency and after assessing risk.
- Maintaining appropriate social distancing in the field.
- Allowing one employee per vehicle.
- Wearing masks.
