Another Holiday, Another Storm; Emera Maine Readies Crews, Resources as Blizzard Treks Toward Maine

Bangor, Maine — On the cusp of a busy weekend with Valentine’s Day, President’s Day on Monday and the beginning of school vacation week, Mainers are facing the potential for a powerful Nor’easter during a winter that has already seen record snowfall in some areas. Emera Maine is once again standing by, ready to respond should the weather interrupt electric service.

Emera Maine’s Storm Response Team has been mobilized, monitoring weather forecasts, scheduling storm-planning conference calls, and adding both internal and external staff and resources to address power outages which may occur as a result of the storm.

“Early predictions indicate this storm will be substantial in terms of snowfall,” said Rick Manning, Director of Transmission Initiatives and Storm Response Team lead. “In addition, dangerously frigid temperatures make working conditions challenging for our crews, and difficult travel conditions may have an effect on response times. We will have to see what Mother Nature sends our way.” The Storm Response Team will continue to monitor the storm’s track and modify staffing plans as needed.

Should the storm be as significant as forecasters believe, customers can assist with restoration efforts by ensuring driveways and side roads are plowed and accessible for our crews. In addition, with anticipated whiteout conditions causing limited visibility, drivers are asked to use caution when navigating near crews working along roadways, allowing adequate space to ensure safety for crews and motorists alike.

As always customers are reminded to stay clear of fallen power lines and trees near or touching them. Locating account numbers in advance and programming the Customer Service Center phone number into cell phones can help speed up the reporting process. Anyone using alternate heat sources and generators is reminded to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Customers are also reminded to check vents on heaters, dryers and other appliances which require proper ventilation to ensure they have not been blocked by deep snow.

Customers can get the latest outage and restoration information and view our live outage map at emeramaine.com. Outages can be reported online or by calling our customer service center at 1-855-EMERA-11 (1-855-363-7211) Local: 207-973-2000.

"This story was submitted to us as a press release. If you would like to share your community news with our audience, email newspi@townsquaremedia.com."