Next update – 11 p.m.
BERLIN, Connecticut, August 14, 2003 – The Northeast Utilities electricity distribution system has been safely stabilized following this afternoon’s regional transmission grid problems. As of 8 p.m. there are approximately 237,000 customers without service.
Service restoration is underway, with all customers expected to be back in service during the early morning hours of Friday, August 15.
The region’s power plants are continuing to come back on line and are connecting to the power grid. At this time, there is sufficient generation to serve the expected demand.
With the high power lines energized, NU will be able to prudently reconnect the distribution system substations to the transmission grid. Staff are posted at these locations to make these reconnections. For perspective, there are 239 substations on the CL&P system, with approximately half affected by this afternoon’s interruption.
NU appreciates the patience of customers, both homes and businesses, during this unusual circumstance. In concert, the NU family in Connecticut and western Massachusetts will work around the clock to restore power safely for all our customers.
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