Central Hudson Service Restoration Progresses

After five days of around-the-clock restoration work and the completion of hundreds of repairs that have restored service to half the 150,000 customers who lost power as a result of two powerful snowstorms, Central Hudson crews are systematically progressing through additional small, localized outages uncovered as they work through the communities hit hardest by the second storm.  Utility officials still believe that the majority of customers will have their service restored by Wednesday at midnight. Some customers located in remote or hard-hit areas, particularly those with road-access difficulties, may not be back on line for several days thereafter, however.

As of Sunday afternoon, approximately 77,000 customers remained without service, many of them part of the estimated 1,200 remaining outages that each impact dozens of customers or less. As of Sunday afternoon, outages were located by county as follows: Dutchess: 31,000; Greene: 1,000; Orange: 25,000; Putnam 4,200; Sullivan: 600; and Ulster: 15,000.

The restoration has now largely shifted from the repair of major facilities and distribution networks to a labor-intensive phase of restoring electricity one neighborhood, street or customer at a time. The utility’s largest-ever field force of approximately 1,000 people is tackling the task of replacing equipment, restringing lines, and rebuilding infrastructure in communities throughout the Hudson Valley.

Central Hudson’s massive contingent of field personnel consists of 62 two- and three-man Central Hudson crews, supplemented by 198 two and three-man crews from other locations. In addition, 98 tree-trimming crews, also comprised of two or three men each, and hundreds of Central Hudson personnel from other departments and even retirees are assisting with logistical support as part of the largest restoration effort the utility has ever staged.

To Report A Power Outage

Those customers with access to a computer or compatible cell phone should report their power outage via the website at www.CentralHudson.com, in the StormCentral section, where they can also access information regarding the extent of outages; once service restoration estimates become available, they can be found on the website as well.

Customers may also contact the utility by calling (845) 452-2700 or 1 (800) 527-2714 to report a power outage, and they are encouraged to use the automated reporting system to do so. Between Tuesday and Saturday, the utility’s telephone system handled 273,000 calls, as compared to the approximately 15,000 calls that are handled in a routine week, and registered 84,000 orders regarding outages.

Emergency Support

Emergency shelters have been established by the Red Cross and other agencies (see a complete list at www.CentralHudson.com), and Central Hudson is distributing dry ice and bottled water free of charge. As of Sunday afternoon, Central Hudson had distributed 121,000 pounds of dry ice and 68,200 bottles of water to customers in need. That distribution will continue as long as needed; updated schedules will be made available to local media outlets and will be available on Central Hudson’s website, www.CentralHudson.com, in the StormCentral section.

Important Safety Reminders:

Customers are requested to check on frail or elderly neighbors, relatives or friends – including any who may rely on electrically operated life-sustaining equipment – and encourage them to seek alternate shelter, as it may take several days before their power is restored.

All local residents are reminded to stay clear of downed or sagging wires – they could be lethal. As fallen wires may be hidden by trees or debris, extreme caution should be used when moving through an outage zone.  If a power line falls on a vehicle, occupants should stay inside and wait for rescue crews. Customers should not heat their homes with an unvented heater, gas range or any similar appliance, as they can produce deadly carbon monoxide. Generators should be operated only in a vented, dry location; outdoor gas grills should never be used to heat indoors because they pose a fire hazard and can give off deadly carbon monoxide gas.

For updates, safety tips, list of shelter locations and more information on how to prepare for storms, visit www.CentralHudson.com.

#    #    #