News Release
Fast-moving Thunderstorm Knocks out Power to 27,000+ Customers
All available crews working to restore power
| CONTACT: | Sandra Ahearn | Lacey Ryan |
| Office: | (413) 787-1055 | (413) 787-1018 |
 |  | |
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 27, 2010 – A fast-moving thunderstorm that swept the western New England region just after midnight caused extensive damage to trees, utility poles and power lines resulting in the loss of power to more than 27,000 Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECo) customers.
WMECo has engaged every available employee and has requested assistance from neighboring utilities to restore power. The storm damage was primarily in the Pioneer Valley area, with greatest damage reports coming from the Greenfield and Hadley areas. Some Springfield area towns were also affected.
Restoration and damage assessment is underway and early projections indicate it may be a few days until all customers are fully restored. Customers should report power outages to 781-4300 (within the Springfield area) or (800) 286-2000.
Please help us convey the following important safety messages to our customers:
- Treat all wires as live and STAY AWAY – a minimum of 10 feet! Even getting close to an energized wire can have deadly consequences. Call 911 or WMECo immediately
- Home generators should always be installed by a qualified electrician. Improperly installed generators can backfeed into our lines, which could be deadly to our workers
- ALWAYS operate generators outdoors! Indoor operation can cause build-up of deadly carbon monoxide fumes
| Western Massachusetts Electric Company, part of the Northeast Utilities System (NYSE:NU), serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECO, visit their Web site at www.wmeco.com. |