Central Maine Power Works to Restore Power After Massive Power Outages in Maine Following December 2008 Ice Storm

This morning, like many of my fellow Mainers, I woke to a dark and chilly home. Before I even got out of bed, I grabbed my cell phone and called Central Maine Power to report my power outage and learned that many towns in my area were suffering the same loss of power.

What is commonly referred to as an "ice storm" (freezing rain, rain, and sleet which coats trees, wires, and roadways with a heavy crust of ice) occurred overnight and into the morning on December 11 and 12 of 2008.

According to a press release from Central Maine Power issued at 8am on December 12 2008, there are an estimated 100,000 accounts without power. As with every storm that causes power outages, Central Maine Power's primary concern is "de-energizing" lines that are down or poles that are broken because those problems pose a significant safety risk to the general public. Once those problems are addressed, Central Maine Power then turns to restoration.

Central Maine Power estimates at this time that restoration efforts should be well under way by the afternoon of December 12 2008.

Here in Maine, Central Maine Power is the largest power supplier in the state, and every winter thousands of Mainers call Central Maine Power to report an outage and receive outage updates. They've established an automated system which makes reporting an outage simple and quick and Central Maine Power also includes updates which can be accessed by phone or online.

As a Central Maine Power customer for over 18 years, I do have to say that they are diligent and responsive to outages and many Maine residents appreciate the hard-working men and women who are often working under horrible weather conditions to restore power.

A tip for my fellow Mainers or for those anticipating a visit to Maine - you can save even more time and frustration by pre-programming your cell phone to include Central Maine Power's outage reporting line, which is 800-696-1000. Having Central Maine Power's phone number immediately handy and not needing to grope around for a flashlight and phone book is something everyone can appreciate in the darkness of a power outage.

You may also visit the Central Maine Power website for frequently updated announcements regarding power outages and restoration efforts at www.cmpco.com.

Sources:

Central Maine Power Press Release, December 12, 2009 8:00 a.m., Central Maine Power reports widespread outages